PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Long March 3B rocket, launched by China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, has so far left no debris in the West Philippine Sea, the Western Command said Thursday morning.

Launched on 26 December, the rocket deployed two satellites into medium Earth orbit (MEO), enhancing China's Beidou positioning and navigation system.

Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma, the spokesperson for the Western Command (Wescom), said no sightings of rocket debris in the identified Ayungin Shoal, Rozul Reef, Escoda Shoal, and Quezon town, Palawan, drop zones.

"Up to now, there haven't been any reports of finding debris in the drop zones within certain areas of the West Philippine Sea. We haven't observed anything yet, but we are keeping an eye on it following PhilSA's advisory," Coloma said.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on 27 December the launch of the Long March 3B rocket by China, originating from its facility in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan.

The expectation is that any debris resulting from this launch would land in predetermined drop zones, located about 68 nautical miles away from Rozul Reef and 116 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal.

Eden Cascara, the disaster risk reduction and management officer in Quezon town, also confirmed no reports of debris sightings.

"So far, there's none. Last night, I spoke with the barangay captains, and they reported no sightings. There have also been no reports here at the office from residents," Cascara said.

Quezon, a municipality in Palawan, was among the areas monitored due to its proximity to the predicted drop zones.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a pre-launch report were issued by PhilSA to authorities, ensuring preparedness for any potential fallout.

Despite the absence of debris, PhilSA continues to issue guidance on potential hazards, especially to maritime crafts in the debris drop zone. The agency warns against handling any future debris, as it may contain hazardous substances like rocket fuel.