PH, Japan to support efforts in improving Myanmar situation
The Philippines and Japan have agreed to work together to support any initiative aimed to improve the situation in Myanmar as the country continued to be under military rule.

Malacañang made the statement following President Duterte's 20-minute phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Palace said Duterte and Suga were concerned about the situation in Myanmar.
"Both leaders expressed concern over developments in Myanmar and agreed to work closely together to support efforts to improve the situation in the country," the Palace statement read.
Myanmar has been under the rule of a military junta since February 1 this year. The coup d'etat has overthrown civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and prompted mass uprising in many parts of the said country.
A Reuters report citing data from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group said that at least 790 people have been killed by security forces since the coup while over 5,000 have been arrested. Meanwhile, some 4,000 individuals are still detained - including several celebrities.
Last month, leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) demanded the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and for the release of all political prisoners as they called on all parties involved to exercise "utmost restraint."
Based on the ASEAN Chairman's Statement, the Leaders of the region had a close discussion on the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed their deep concern on the situation in the country, including reports of fatalities and escalation of violence.
"We acknowledged ASEAN’s positive and constructive role in facilitating a peaceful solution in the interest of the people of Myanmar and their livelihoods, and therefore agreed to the 'Five-Point Consensus' attached to this Chairman’s Statement," it read.
"We also heard calls for the release of all political prisoners including foreigners," he added.
In their Five-Point Consensus, the ASEAN Leaders demanded the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and all parties shall exercise utmost restraint.