JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the recent surge of intercontinental ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK.

During his intervention at the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Summit on Wednesday, Marcos underscored the need for the DPRK to fully comply with all UN Security Council resolutions.

North Korea, often referred to as DPRK and NoKor, carried out what it called the second military reconnaissance satellite launch from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last 24 August.

Several reports said the launch was unsuccessful due to an in-flight error.

The launch came after a prior satellite launch attempt on 31 May. Based on official reports, the nation is planning to carry out a third satellite launch in October.

"We (…) affirm our support for the principles embodied in the RoK's audacious initiative that aims to achieve a denuclearized DPRK, an essential component for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and the world," Marcos said.

The RoK may be better known as South Korea.

Marcos also appreciated the RoK's continued support in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as a key pillar of the rules-based international order.

"We share concerns on the militarization of reclaimed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and other coercive activities," he said. "We are equally alarmed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing which are being detected."

Marcos also welcomed the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which will further deepen ASEAN and RoK's collaboration on common political, economic, social and cultural concerns.

"In particular, we welcome the enhancing policy dialogue on maritime affairs with the RoK under the initiative to contribute to the overall enhancement of ASEAN-RoK comprehensive security cooperation," he said.

Marcos also thanked the RoK for its valuable assistance in addressing the recent oil spill in Mindoro and for its contributions to emergency humanitarian assistance for the damage caused by the recent typhoons.