Meeting Minutes re Suspected DPRK Long-Range Ballistic Missile Test, ca.

April 12-16, 2012

NDRRMC Conference Room Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City 9:00 A.M., 03 April 2012

Participants: DILG, DOST-PNRI, DOH-HEMS, PNP, MARINA, PCG, CAAP, PAGASA, BFP, NCRCOM, PRC, AFP-OJ3, OCD I. As per written instruction from the SND and C, NDRRMC, a meeting on the above-stated subject matter was held with the Executive Director, NDRRMC and Administrator, OCD, USEC Benito T. Ramos presiding it. USEC Ramos started with a presentation on the missile trajectory and at the same time expressing his apprehensions on the possible effects of the test should the suspected DPRK Long-Range Ballistic Missile or any of its debris touch ground within Philippine AOR. He then shared to the audience some information about the missile test enumerated as follows: DPRK is poised to launch an alleged non-nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) named KWANGMYONGSONG-3 between 611 in the morning, any day between 12-16, this month. The missile will take a southward path and will disengage two of its boosters/ propellers prior to reaching orbit. The second booster/ propeller poses threat to the Philippines as its debris may fall within the AOR 190 km east of Luzon if it maintains track The planned missile launch is to commemorate the birth centennial of DPRKs eternal President, Kim Il Sung (15 April 1912) The missile will pass southward through the airspace of South Korea and Japan where it may eventually be intercepted and shot down

USEC Ramos emphasized, the meeting is not intended to cause alarm but rather educate, prepare and allay all fears that may arise from misinformation or disinformation. This is to avert panic as seen in the Fukushima Nuclear incident where betadine solutions/ products were sold-out locally and schools/ universities suspending classes. USEC Ramos gave a brief lecture on the types of (weapon) trajectories stressing how serious things will be if the rocket veers off course or maliciously intended to hit the Philippines. II. USEC Ramos stressed the importance of the meeting with the participation and attendance of PNRI to enlighten the group on the subject matter. Dr. Alumanda de la Rosa of PNRI expressed their preparedness for any eventuality that may arise from the test. While there is no nuclear involvement

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heard of so far in this planned launch, Dr. De la Rosa revealed that North Korea had previously engaged in underground nuclear test as detected by the International Monitoring System of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Organization where Philippines is a member. Although intransigent and highly capable of developing nuclear weapons, the two (2) instances of underground tests of DPRK recorded no radioactivity as tested by PNRI. Nonetheless, the PNRI expressed its readiness to activate the RADPLAN in coordination with NDRRMC. An Emergency Preparedness Monitoring Team in rotation every 15 days will be deployed in the threatened areas. The team is ready in terms of personnel and equipment to monitor and respond to any radioactivity that may arise from the test. III. PAGASA on the other hand discussed about the upgraded capability of the agency with its three (3) additional Doppler radars courtesy of JICA (Japan) not to mention the various synoptic stations operating 24/7 and observing different weather parameters. With the present equipage, the public can expect better forecasting on weather, flood and other climatological conditions affecting the country. Further, PAGASA claimed that radar images from possible debris can be archived/ recorded and may be used as proof for claims of damages. Meanwhile, CAAP admitted that they are not equipped to track the debris on their radar. As a precaution, they will broadcast/ issue advisories for flight plans to be changed particularly on routes under the identified coordinates during the possible launch dates. AFP on the other hand will preposition local and national assets and provide monetary assistance and disaster response operations when needed. They assured constant coordination with the Joint US Military Advisor for monitoring and actions to be taken in case of any eventuality. Should the debris come to our shores, the AFP is also prepared with their helicopters to respond to the area/s. DILG picked up from the discussion and vowed to issue a no fishing advisory to all areas in the Eastern Seaboard. MARINA will be sending advisories regarding the possible fall of debris. They will cooperate with the LGUs and concerned agencies to monitor the situation. With this situation at-hand, USEC Ramos declared that the NDRRMC will remain on RED ALERT status to filter out reports and serve as the ONLY Source of Information about the missile launch. This is to dispel malicious information and avert national panic. USEC Ramos likewise warned the public not to touch or attempt to sell in junk shops as scrap metals the debris as they may be radioactive. As a recap, the following agreements were forged as recommended by the concerned agencies relative to the planned missile launch: a. The PNRI-DOST submits the STAY INDOORS policy for the residents of Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, CAR and NCR during the 12-16 2

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