‘No rocket debris recovered off Northern Luzon’

MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday that contrary to reports, no debris of the North Korean rocket launched last Wednesday has been recovered off the coast of Northern Luzon.

Earlier, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) said it will test the rocket debris recovered 300 kilometers east of Luzon.

“There’s no debris, it’s heavy and it might have sunk,” said NDRRMC executive officer and Office Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Benito Ramos.

However, Ramos said fishermen in Northern Luzon have been advised to be on the lookout for possible rocket particles while fishing near the point of impact.

North Korea launched its long-range rocket last Wednesday without warning, triggering international condemnation.

United States military officials described it as a “provocative act.”

The Philippines also condemned the rocket launch, citing at least three UN Security council resolutions banning North Korea from developing ballistic missiles.