The Philippines is concerned that debris from the long-range rocket North Korea plans to launch this month may fall within the country's territory.

In a news conference in Manila on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin noted that North Korea has never had a perfect rocket launch before, and it may overshoot its target and its debris may fall within the Philippine territory.

He called for contingency measures to protect the public from the rocket debris.

The Filipino government on Tuesday held an emergency meeting and discussed response measures to North Korea's launch plan.