DFA chides North Korea over missile launch

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday condemned the recent ballistic missile launch by North Korea, saying it causes tensions to rise in the Korean Peninsula and instability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Two ballistic missiles were launched 10 minutes apart by North Korea on Monday, just a day after the joint military drills among South Korea, Japan and the United States concluded.

READ: North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles, says Seoul

“The Philippines condemns the DPRK’s (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) latest ballistic missile launch, which provokes tensions and undermines economic progress, peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The Philippines has repeatedly called on the DPRK to also comply with its international obligations and the relevant UN (United Nations) Security Council resolutions and to commit to constructive and peaceful dialogue with the Republic of Korea,” it added. —Jacob Lazaro