LGUs told to prepare for NoKor missile launch

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo on Monday urged governors, mayors and village chiefs to take precautionary measures against the possible danger of the debris that may fall in the country owing to the launching of a long-range ballistic missile by North Korea reportedly scheduled between April 12 and April 16.

Robredo reiterated the earlier statement by the government regarding any event that may come from North Korea's launching of the missile. Pyongyang said it would be launching an observation satellite into orbit.

"Considering that the debris of the missile test might fall in Philippine territory, you are hereby directed to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of lives and property,” Roberdo told local government officials of Regions I, II, III , IV-A, V, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

In an inter-agency meeting last April 3, the National Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Council identified seven regions as vulnerable areas, or the projected path of the missile, with high vulnerability on the eastern seaboard.

Robredo told local chief executives to put on alert status their respective local DRRMC, as well as to issue an advisory to prevent fishermen from fishing activities from April 12 to April 16.

If rocket debris are observed or found in their areas, Robredo asked the public to inform the authorities or call the Bureau of Fire Protection as they are trained to handle such situation, adding that the debris should be secured.

He also said the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology has already 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 to 16.