Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Thursday asked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to speak up on the developments in Myanmar following reports that 34 anti-coup protesters were killed during separate rallies held across the country.
“ASEAN what do we say?” Locsin asked in a tweet.
Prior to his tweet, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement expressing its deep concern over the escalation of violence in Myanmar.
“The Philippine government is deeply concerned with the recent escalation of violence in Myanmar and calls on security forces to exercise restraint and refrain from using excessive force against unarmed demonstrators,” the DFA said.
Further, it reiterated the Philippines’ call for a “complete restoration of the status quo ante” and the release of former Nobel Peace winner and State Counsellor Daw Aung Suu Kyi “to play her unifying role.” Suu Kyi and other democratically-elected leaders were arrested during an early morning raid on Feb. 1 shortly after the military had seized power.
In the same statement, the Philippine government advised Filipinos in Myanmar to avoid places of protest, monitor developments through reputable sources, and check with the Philippine Embassy in Yangon for fresh advisories.
Last week, at least 18 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as protesters clashed with riot police in several locations throughout Myanmar.