The Philippines has expressed serious concern and has strongly denounced the recent ballistic missile launches conducted by North Korea.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) described Pyongyang’s ballistic missile tests as “provocative actions,” which it said “undermine economic progress, peace, and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.”

“We renew our call on the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) to promptly cease these activities and abide by all international obligations, including the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and to commit to peaceful and constructive dialogue,” the DFA said.

Nuclear-armed North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles from its east coast on Thursday, according to the South Korean Ministry of Defense.

Seoul earlier slammed Pyongyang for the action, which it said was a “blatant proactive act” and a grave threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

“Under a firm South Korea-US combined defense posture, our military is closely monitoring various North Korean activities and maintaining an overwhelming capability and posture capable of responding to any provocation so that North Korea will not make a wrong judgment,” the South Korean military said.

Japan also condemned North Korea’s actions, reiterating they are a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.