Philippines seek ASEAN talks with anti‑junta groups

The Philippines, holding the current presidency of ASEAN, has signalled its intention to broaden dialogue with opponents of Myanmar’s ruling junta, even as the country heads into the final stage of disputed elections.

Speaking to Reuters, Ma. Theresa Lazaro, ASEAN’s special envoy for the Myanmar crisis, stressed that while Manila does not endorse the military-organised polls, it remains open to engaging with all outcomes. “I do not approve of these elections,” she said, adding that the Philippines would continue to encourage dialogue as events unfold.

Official results from the first two rounds of the three-phase vote show a majority of seats going to a party allied with the military. Despite low turnout, the junta has hailed the process as a “victory of the people”, claiming it will bring stability. Critics, however, dismiss the elections as a façade designed to entrench military power, and ASEAN has not sent observers.

This week, Manila hosted a two-day “stakeholders’ meeting” in Tagaytay, bringing together rebel groups and political actors. The Chin National Front, an ethnic minority force controlling territory near the Indian border, confirmed its participation and praised Lazaro’s efforts to involve diverse voices. “This meeting was positive,” said spokesperson Salai Van, noting optimism after ASEAN’s new presidency engaged with Myanmar stakeholders within its first month.

The shadow National Unity Government also joined the talks, though the junta declined to comment. Lazaro’s initiative follows her recent visit to Myanmar, where she met General Min Aung Hlaing in what Manila described as a “warm and constructive exchange”.

She has voiced hopes that more groups “who need to be heard” will be included in future discussions. In a post on X, Lazaro welcomed the “active, constructive and meaningful sharing of views” around ASEAN’s five-point peace consensus, agreed in 2021 but stalled amid ongoing conflict.

The envoy also suggested extending the mandate of ASEAN envoys beyond the current annual rotation, though such reforms would require agreement among the bloc’s 11 members.

Myanmar remains gripped by civil war since the 2021 coup, with thousands killed and 3.6 million displaced, according to UN figures. While humanitarian access has improved slightly, progress on ASEAN’s peace plan has been limited, leaving the Philippines’ presidency with the challenge of balancing dialogue, aid, and political pressure in one of Asia’s most intractable crises.

-2025-01-25