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PH lifts red alert after Nokor rocket crash

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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[UPDATED] The Philippines also removes its no-fly, no-sail, and no-fishing zones after confirming North Korea's rocket failure

[UPDATED] MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has lifted its red alert status in connection to the North Korea rocket launch after confirming that the rocket crashed Friday, April 13.

Defense Sec Voltaire Gazmin relayed this announcement to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), based on a notice from the United States’ naval attaché.

The country has also removed its no-fly, no-sail, no fishing zones and NDRRMC executive director Usec Benito Ramos said in a press conference.

FAILED LAUNCH. NDRRMC executive director Usec Benito Ramos holds a press conference on North Korea's failed rocket launch Friday. Screen grab from ANC

The NDRRMC said it has also downgraded its alert status to “blue,” which means half of the deployed government forces will remain in their respective areas to assist residents.

“We confirmed that the North Korea rocket launch has failed to complete its intended flight and fallen off the sea west of South Korea. This location is far from the Philippines,” Gazmin said in a text message to Ramos. 

“We reiterate our call for the North Koreans,” he added, “to abide by the UN resolution to turn away form exploring further ballistic missile experimentation and fully cooperate with the rest of the world.”

North Korea has admitted its rocket failed to enter its orbit. 

A minute after take-off

Earlier, the United States, Japan, and South Korea confirmed the failure of North Korea’s rocket, which broke apart a minute after its take-off, various reports said. 

“I can confirm they’ve carried out a launch,” said the US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, in an interview with AFP.

But quoting US officials, CNN said the long-range rocket appears to have broken apart quickly after leaving the launch pad. – Rappler.com

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com