PH condemns North Korea rocket launch

The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has condemned Democratic Republic of North Korea’s (DPRK) launch of another long-range rocket on Sunday.

The DFA said that it joins other countries in the call for North Korea to end its rocket launch tests.

READ: Neighbors begin vigilance as North Korea launch window opens

“The Philippines condemns the DPRK’s launch of a long range rocket in violation of UNSC resolutions and international calls for DPRK to end its testing,” the department’s statement read.

The DFA also asked North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile technology programs in a “complete, verifiable, irreversible manner.”

“The Philippines reiterates its readiness to work with international partners to ensure peace and stability in the region and the rest of the world,” it said.

The rocket was launched at around 9:00 a.m. (Pyongyang time) on Sunday according to a report from Agence France-Presse.

READ: North Korea launches space rocket; defies threats

North Korea has said that the rocket launch is part of its space program, but other countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and the United States, are wary that it is “a disguised missile test” which would lead to the development of weapons capable of reaching the US.

READ: North Korea fires rocket seen as covert missile test

The rocket’s flight arc is supposed to traverse the Yellow Sea and further into the Philippine Sea. South Korea and Japan both committed to shoot down the rocket should it reach their territory. JE

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