Myanmar military rejects meeting with ASEAN special envoy, Philippines reiterates call for Suu Kyi's release

Yangon, July 1 Following the Myanmar military's rejection of a meeting between ASEAN's special envoy and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Philippines, as ASEAN chair, has reiterated its call for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Philippine Foreign Minister Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who serves as the ASEAN chair's special envoy to Myanmar, will continue to engage with Myanmar authorities and all stakeholders to implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC), said Dax Imperial, spokesperson for the DFA on ASEAN affairs. "We reiterate the importance of Myanmar taking constructive steps, including the release of all political prisoners, especially the elderly and those with health conditions, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," Dax Imperial said. He stated that the release of political prisoners in Myanmar is a fundamental step that is essential for the emergence of meaningful political dialogue as outlined in the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. Presidential Office spokesperson Khine Khine So revealed that Myanmar authorities rejected the Philippines' request for a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, stating that since Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is still serving her sentence, a meeting with the ASEAN special envoy cannot be permitted. The Philippines issued a statement indicating its intention to facilitate the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and to foster political dialogue involving all stakeholders. The administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Foreign Minister Lazaro as the special envoy to Myanmar before the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in November 2025. According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Lazaro has consistently urged Myanmar authorities in all discussions to release political prisoners, particularly those detained including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and to implement practical measures that would lead to genuine political dialogue. ASEAN adopted the Five-Point Consensus to address the Myanmar issue after the military coup in 2021, which ousted the elected government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The consensus includes an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties concerned, humanitarian assistance, the appointment of an ASEAN special envoy, and unimpeded access for the special envoy to all parties concerned. However, the Myanmar military has shown only minimal progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus and continues to face criticism from ASEAN and the international community due to ongoing armed conflicts and political instability within the country. (This is a translation of PH renews call to free Suu Kyi after Myanmar rejects Asean envoy.)