Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 23) — The Philippines has condemned the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last Saturday and other missile launches by North Korea.
“These tests provoke tension and undermine peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula, in the region and the world,” according to Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) statement released Wednesday.
“The Philippines reiterates its call for the DPRK (Democratic People’ s Republic of Korea) to immediately put a stop to these missile tests, comply with UNSC resolutions and resort to diplomacy and peaceful dialogue with the Republic of Korea,” it added.
North Korea has launched multiple unidentified ballistic missiles into the waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula — the latest missile launch in recent days by the country.
North Korea released details of Saturday’s ICBM launch, saying it was a Hwasong-15 ICBM fired in a “surprise ICBM launching drill” under the orders of leader Kim Jong Un.
The missile flew 989 kilometers (614 miles) for almost 67 minutes to an altitude of 5,768.5 kilometers (3,584 miles), according to the Korean Central News Agency.
The North Korean leader’s sister later warned of more to come unless the United States halts military drills with South Korea.
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres also strongly condemned the launch and reiterated calls for Pyongyang to immediately desist from further provocative actions.
