Philippines urges North Korea to be a ‘better neighbor’

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—A spokeswoman for President Benigno Aquino called on North Korea on Friday to be a “better neighbor” in the wake of the failed rocket launch by the Pyongyang government.

“We are happy that no harm came out of the failed launch,” Abigail Valte said in a text message to Palace reporters, some of whom were covering Aquino who was in Davao City for a conference on the power situation in Mindanao. “The NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) has lowered the red alert but will continue to be on hand to render assistance if necessary.”

“We remind North Korea that we all share this planet and urge it to be a better neighbor,” she added.