RP condemns North Korea's sinking of South Korean vessel

The Philippines joined the condemnation of what it called an act of provocation by North Korea in sinking a South Korean patrol vessel on Wednesday. The Department of Foreign Affairs voiced solidarity with the South Korean government over the sinking of the Cheonan, it said in a statement. "The Philippines strongly condemns acts of provocation that threaten regional security and peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula," the DFA said. It also voiced hopes the issue can be resolved peacefully soonest. "Considering its proximity to the Korean Peninsula, the Philippines fervently hopes for the resolution of this issue through peaceful means, including constructive dialogue. The Philippines hopes that this situation will not deteriorate further to compromise the peace and security of the region," it said. The DFA added the Philippines calls for adherence to international norms and codes of conduct, and the letter and spirit of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1874 and 1718. It added the loss of innocent lives in this tragedy is "unfathomable." "The Philippines conveys once again its most profound sympathies to the bereaved families and friends of the victims of this senseless tragedy," it said. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV