The Philippine Space Agency, or PhilSA, on Wednesday confirmed China's successful launch of a powerful rocket whose debris may have likely fallen in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, PhilSA said the debris from the rocket launch was projected to fall within the projected drop zone approximately 68 nautical miles from Rozul Reef and 116 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.

China's Long March 3B was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province at 11:26 a.m. on 26 December (Manila time).

A Notice to Airmen or NOTAM warning of an "aerospace flight activity" was issued.

PhilSA said it had earlier disseminated a pre-launch report to government agencies and authorities before the China rocket launch.

Ships at risk

PhilSA warned the rocket debris, which generally burns up in the atmosphere on reentry, may cause potential risks to ships, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone.

It also noted the possibility of the rocket debris floating around the area and washing toward the nearby coasts.

Meanwhile, PhilSA cautioned against retrieving or coming into close contact with the debris that might  contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

The public has been advised to contact local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.