Manila: 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. In a statement on Thursday, the DFA emphasized that such a move would demonstrate 'further gestures of reconciliation' and signal the Myanmar military's willingness to engage in inclusive political dialogue.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA expressed hope that the occasion would lead to the release of more political prisoners. '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,' the statement added.
Myanmar observes Union Day every 12th of February to commemorate the signing of the Panglong Agreement in 1947, a landmark treaty that united leaders from different ethnic nationalities for a unified and independent nation. This year marks the sixth anniversary of the occasion since the Myanmar military staged a coup d'©tat in February 2021, seizing power from the elected government and detaining several political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Based on the latest data from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, Burma (AAPP), a total of 30,448 pro-democracy activists and civilians have been arrested since the military coup, with 22,797 still detained and 129 facing the death penalty. The AAPP reported that at least 7,777 of the total arrested have been confirmed killed, while around 4,500 deaths are pending verification.
In a separate statement, ASEAN highlighted that Myanmar's Union Day should be 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 further emphasized the importance of peaceful cooperation and respect for diversity in nurturing long-term stability and harmony.
