PHL calls on N. Korea to cease missile tests

Philippine government on Thursday reiterated its call to North Korea to cease missile tests, saying these are considered acts of provocation. (Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA—Philippine government on Thursday reiterated its call to North Korea to cease missile tests, saying these are considered acts of provocation.

“(This is) a clear breach of the UN (United Nations) Security Council resolutions, and constitutes a serious challenge to regional peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the international community,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The department underscored the need for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to comply with its international obligations under relevant UNSC resolutions and “to return to the process of constructive dialogue”.

North Korea carried out another ballistic missile test last Sunday (May 14), resisting calls to suspend its weapons program.

The DFA said the Philippines has expressed “very grave concern” over the DPRK’s latest missile launch.