The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has welcomed the full pardon and release of U Win Myint, describing it as a “constructive step” toward restoring trust and promoting inclusive dialogue in Myanmar.

In a statement issued on April 19, the DFA also noted the amnesty granted to 4,514 prisoners—including foreign nationals—timed with Myanmar’s traditional New Year festival, Thingyan.

“This significant development is a constructive step toward fostering a more conducive environment in Myanmar for building confidence and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders,” the DFA said.

The DFA stressed that the release of U Win Myint, who had been detained since early 2021 following the military takeover, signals a potential opening for broader political engagement among stakeholders in Myanmar.

Despite the development, the DFA emphasized that more needs to be done—particularly the release of high-profile political detainees such as Aung San Suu Kyi.

“The Philippines reiterates the paramount importance of the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other remaining political prisoners, particularly the elderly and infirm,” the DFA said.

“Such actions are vital to advancing meaningful national dialogue and supporting the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar,” the DFA added.

The DFA stressed that freeing detainees is critical to advancing meaningful national reconciliation and enabling progress under the Five-Point Consensus, a regional framework aimed at resolving the crisis.

The Philippines expressed hope that the pardon and amnesty will be followed by further confidence-building measures, as Myanmar marks the New Year (Thingyan) holiday. 

The Philippines also urged Myanmar authorities to continue pursuing “goodwill and constructive engagement” toward a peaceful and inclusive political process—one that is both Myanmar-led and reflective of the will of its people.

The DFA concluded by emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts to achieve long-term stability in the country through dialogue and cooperation among all sectors.

“As Myanmar marks the New Year (Thingyan), the Philippines expresses hope that this development will be accompanied by further gestures of goodwill and constructive engagement toward a peaceful and inclusive national dialogue under a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political process,” the DFA said.