The Philippines, the 2026 Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), issued an official statement expressing severe concern over the Myanmar military’s airstrikes in Arakan State that resulted in at least 50 killed, and 58 injured, in Kyauktaw Township on Sept. 28.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Ana Marie Hernando released a statement on Oct. 3, saying that Manila is closely monitoring developments on the ground and noted the grave toll of the attacks.
Hernando reaffirmed that as the current chair of ASEAN, the Philippines remains mindful of the diverse perspectives among all member states and will continue steering diplomatic engagements through ASEAN’s established consensus-based framework.
She added that Manila stands ready to facilitate internal bloc discussions to explore constructive avenues to assist Myanmar, adhering to the shared regional goal of securing a “Myanmar-owned and led” resolution to the crisis.
The statement follows airstrikes carried out by the Myanmar Air Force on Kyauktaw’s “Indian Market” and Kissapanadi Bridge, which marked the single deadliest air raid in Arakan since a hospital attack killed at least 30 in Mrauk-U Township on Dec. 11, 2025.
At least 6,062 people have been killed and 10,322 others have been injured in 6,139 airstrikes nationwide since the 2021 military coup, according to the NUG.
It added that 179 medical facilities, 537 schools and 801 religious buildings have also been destroyed.
DVB has documented 2,845 fatalities and 5,611 injuries in 4,101 aerial attacks, including airstrikes, drone, paramotor and gyrocopter attacks, carried out by regime forces nationwide since March 28.
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REUTERS
