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The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, expressed concern over a Myanmar military airstrike in Rakhine state that caused deaths and destruction, and said it is ready to facilitate regional discussions on assisting Myanmar.
The Philippines, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN), expressed concern over an airstrike in Myanmar's Rakhine state that caused deaths, injuries and destruction, and said it stood ready to facilitate discussions within the regional bloc on how best to assist Myanmar.
Airstrike In Kyauktaw Draws ASEAN Concern
The statement came after a Myanmar military airstrike in Kyauktaw, Rakhine State, according to a rebel group that controls the area and a local aid worker. Smoke was seen rising as fire burned following the attack in a screen grab obtained from a social media video released on September 28, 2026.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Ana Marie Hernando said in an email response on Saturday that the Philippines is closely monitoring developments and expresses concern over the attacks which resulted in destruction, loss of lives and injuries to those affected. As ASEAN chair, Manila said it remained mindful of the views of all member states and would continue to be guided by the regional bloc's consensus-based approach.
The Philippines said it stood ready to facilitate discussions within ASEAN on ways to assist Myanmar. Manila said such discussions should be in line with the common aspiration of finding a solution that is Myanmar-owned and led. The Philippines has emphasized that its role as chair is to help foster dialogue among member states.
Myanmar Civil War Fuels Humanitarian Crisis
Myanmar has been locked in a nationwide civil war since a 2021 coup, with an alliance of armed groups, including the Arakan Army, fighting against the military. The protracted conflict has since killed around 100,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation. The airstrike in Rakhine state is the latest incident in the ongoing conflict. The rebel group and a local aid worker reported the attack in Kyauktaw.
The Philippines said it continues to monitor the situation closely. ASEAN has sought to address the crisis in Myanmar through its consensus-based approach, which requires agreement among all member states. The Philippines, as chair, has said it will remain mindful of the views of all members. Manila has also said it is ready to facilitate discussions within the regional bloc on how best to assist Myanmar.
The goal, it said, is to support a solution that is Myanmar-owned and led. The Philippines expressed concern over the loss of lives and injuries caused by the airstrike. The conflict in Myanmar has caused widespread displacement and suffering. Around 100,000 people have been killed and more than 3.5 million have been displaced, according to the latest figures.
Philippines Supports ASEAN-Led Dialogue
The impoverished Southeast Asian nation continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis. The Philippines said it will continue to be guided by ASEAN's consensus-based approach as it addresses the situation. Manila said it remains mindful of the views of all member states. The Philippines also said it stands ready to facilitate discussions within ASEAN on ways to assist Myanmar.
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