Manila: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has yet to reach a consensus on whether to recognize the recent election in Myanmar. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN 2026 spokesperson, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial, stated that discussions among member states are ongoing regarding developments in Myanmar, including the election results.
According to Philippines News Agency, the election saw military leader Min Aung Hlaing assume the presidency, formalizing his hold on power five years after the military ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. Imperial emphasized that ASEAN continues to be guided by the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), the regional bloc's agreed framework, in addressing the crisis in Myanmar. He noted, "The 5PC remains to be the framework wherein how the region deals with Myanmar at the moment. That has not changed."
The Five-Point Consensus calls for the immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Imperial mentioned that ASEAN will continue to monitor developments in Myanmar, particularly progress in implementing the 5PC.
The Philippines, as ASEAN chair for 2026 under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has reiterated its commitment to regional engagement on the issue. Malaca±ang previously stated that Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro will continue consultations in her capacity as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar.
In a separate press briefing, Imperial informed that all ASEAN leaders will fly to Cebu for the summit, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by its permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has declared full operational readiness for the country's hosting of the summit beginning Wednesday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced, "Full operational readiness is in effect across Central Visayas as we secure the 48th ASEAN Summit." More than 7,300 personnel from various agencies have been deployed to Central Visayas to form the Task Group Central Visayas under the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.
These personnel are responsible for venue security, convoy and route protection, coastal and air surveillance, traffic management, medical assistance, and emergency response operations. Nartatez also ordered the activation of cyber patrol units to monitor disinformation and digital threats throughout the event and directed intensified intelligence gathering to validate any possible security risks.
"Our instructions emphasize coordination at every level - from precincts to regional commands - to ensure seamless communication and immediate action, when necessary," Nartatez added.
