Robredo: take precautionary measures from long-range ballistic missile by North Korea

Secretary of Interior and Local Government Jesse M. Robredo today called on governors, mayors and punong barangays of the country to take precautionary measures against the danger of debris that may fall on the Philippines from the launching of a long-range ballistic missile by North Korea reportedly scheduled between April 12 and 16 this year.

Robredo’s call is part of the government’s contingency measures for any eventualities that may result in North Korea’s launching of what it called an observation satellite into orbit, which is speculated in the international community to be a long-range ballistic missile test. The Philippines is believed to be along the flight path of the said missile test.

“Considering that the debris of the missile test might fall in Philippine territory, your are hereby directed to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of lives and property,” said Roberdo in a directive to concerned local government officials of Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

In an interagency meeting on April 3, the National Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) identified the above-mentioned seven regions as vulnerable areas, being the projected path of the missile, and with high vulnerability on the eastern seaboard.

The secretary urged local chief executives to put on alert status their respective local DRRMCs, as well as issue an advisory to keep fishermen from their fishing activities from April 12 to 16.

Robredo also asked local officials to closely coordinate with concerned agencies such as the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Red Cross, Regional Office of Civil Defense, and the DILG in the implementation of their measures.

In his directive, Robredo advised local officials and the public to call the authorities or call the BFP, who are trained to address such situations, in the event rocket debris is observed or found in their respective areas. He stressed that the debris should be secured without human touch.

He also said that the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology has prepared its equipment and personnel to assist local government units that may be affected by falling debris.

Earlier, the NDRRMC announced that a “no-fly zone” and “no cruise zone” will be implemented in Northern Luzon between April 12 and 16.