By Darryl John Esguerra
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has yet to reach a consensus on whether to recognize the recent election in Myanmar.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit here, ASEAN 2026 spokesperson, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial, said discussions among member states are ongoing regarding developments in Myanmar, including the election results.
“At the moment, ASEAN has not reached any consensus with regard to the recognition of the results of the election in Myanmar,” he said.
The election saw military leader Min Aung Hlaing assume the presidency, formalizing his hold on power five years after the military ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.
Imperial said ASEAN continues to be guided by the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), the regional bloc’s agreed framework, in addressing the crisis in Myanmar.
“The 5PC remains to be the framework wherein how the region deals with Myanmar at the moment. That has not changed,” he said.
The 5PC calls for the immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
Imperial said ASEAN will continue to monitor developments in Myanmar, particularly progress in implementing the 5PC.
The Philippines, as ASEAN chair for 2026 under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has reiterated its commitment to regional engagement on the issue.
Malacañang earlier said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro will continue consultations in her capacity as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar.
In a separate press briefing, Imperial said all ASEAN leaders will fly to Cebu for the summit, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by its permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Heightened alert
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared full operational readiness for the country’s hosting of the summit beginning Wednesday.
“Full operational readiness is in effect across Central Visayas as we secure the 48th ASEAN Summit,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
“Our personnel are on heightened alert to ensure the safety of delegates and the smooth conduct of all related activities.”
More than 7,300 personnel from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, and other partner agencies were deployed to Central Visayas to form the Task Group Central Visayas under the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Their responsibilities cover venue security, convoy and route protection, coastal and air surveillance, traffic management, medical assistance, and emergency response operations.
Aside from these, Nartatez ordered the activation of cyber patrol units to monitor disinformation and digital threats throughout the event. He also directed intensified intelligence gathering to validate any possible security risks.
“Our instructions emphasize coordination at every level – from precincts to regional commands – to ensure seamless communication and immediate action, when necessary,” he said. (With a report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
