The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday expressed “great concern” over the hydrogen bomb test conducted by North Korea over the weekend, but urged the public to remain calm.
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday expressed “great concern” over the hydrogen bomb test conducted by North Korea over the weekend, but urged the public to remain calm.
“The proliferation of this weapon increases the tension not only on the Korean peninsula but also adversely affects the peace and security in the whole of Asia, ” the DND said in a statement.
While the hydrogen bomb test did not directly affect the country, the government “continues to monitor the situation, ” it said.
The department’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD) likened the news of North Korea’s nuclear test to an approaching typhoon.
Assistant Secretary Kristoffer Purisima said the OCD was coordinating with other agencies and local government units (LGUs) , particularly those on the country’s eastern seaboard, to ensure public safety.
“There’s no need to panic, ” Purisima said in a media briefing in Malacañang on Monday. “I don’ t think we’ re in the direct line even if Guam is targeted. We’ re just preparing.”
Speaking to reporters in Tarlac City on Monday, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año said the government always prepared for a “fallout” from the tensions on the Korean peninsula.
