The Philippines has called for the de-escalation of tension and for the holding of a dialogue among concerned parties in Myanmar.
“With Myanmar as lead, let us launch a process towards reconciliation. Towards this, a commitment to end violence on all sides and to de-escalate tension and unrest is vital. Reason cannot be heard above the shouting and shooting; the provocation and reaction,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. during the recently-concluded Asean Leaders’ meeting in Jakarta.
The top Filipino diplomat urged security forces in Myanmar to exercise restraint and refrain from using excessive force against unarmed citizens and demonstrators, especially against the children.
Locsin emphasized the need to return to dialogue as he reiterated his previous calls for the release of the political prisoners in the coup d’etat.
“We urge a return to dialogue. The release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other political detainees sets a conducive environment for this,” he said.
“We are cognizant of the Army’s role in preserving Myanmar’s territorial integrity and national security, ever under threat from those who wish to break her apart and feast on her dismembered parts. But even so, we equally recognize the unifying role of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in her country’s history and its destiny,” he added.
Describing Myanmar as “a big part of the two hands that together make up the family of the Asean 10,” Locsin said the rest of the bloc must stand by the country and extend help if asked.
“To them I reaffirm the Philippines’ strong commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and unity of Myanmar and its return firmly and irreversibly to the path of democracy,” he said.