The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has urged the release of more political prisoners in Myanmar as the country marked its 79th Union Day on Feb. 12.
In a statement on Thursday, the DFA said doing so would indicate “further gestures of reconciliation” and the Myanmar military’s openness to initiate inclusive political dialogue.
“In the spirit of genuine reconciliation, it is our fervent hope that this occasion be marked by the release of more political prisoners,” it said. The Philippines is the 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its Special Envoy on Myanmar is DFA Secretary Theresa Lazaro.
“Thousands of prisoners have already been released since 2021, and many in the international community, including the Philippines, look forward to the release of more political prisoners as further gestures of reconciliation and an initial step towards an inclusive national political dialogue, in line with the Five-Point Consensus and the subsequent ASEAN Leaders’ Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus,” it added.
Myanmar observes Union Day every Feb. 12 to commemorate the signing of the Panglong Agreement in 1947, a landmark treaty that brought together leaders from different ethnic nationalities for a unified and independent nation.
This is the sixth year Myanmar is commemorating the occasion after the Myanmar military staged a coup d’etat and seized power from the elected government in February 2021, detaining several political leaders, including NLD State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has documented that a total of 30,448 pro-democracy activists and civilians have been arrested since the 2021 military coup, of whom 22,797 are still detained, and 129 are facing the death penalty.
The AAPP said at least 7,777 of the total arrested were confirmed killed, while around 4,500 deaths are for verification.
In a separate statement, ASEAN said Myanmar’s Union Day should serve as a “time to reflect on the spirit of unity, dialogue, and inclusiveness that inspired the nation’s early efforts at building a common future.”
“It also serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful cooperation and respect for diversity in nurturing long-term stability and harmony,” it said.
PNA
