Pasay city: United States President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to the Philippines to join the Board of Peace (BOP), a multinational entity initiated by the US to advance post-conflict solutions, particularly focusing on the reconstruction of Gaza.

According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, stated that Trump, through the White House, sent a personal letter to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., inviting him to be a member of the BOP. At present, Manila is evaluating the commitment required from the Philippines.

Romualdez emphasized the country's ongoing efforts to determine its potential contributions, saying, "Of course, we have to find out how we can be of help. We've always been for finding a way to contribute to any kind of peace effort." He indicated that if the Philippines can play a role, it is likely to accept the invitation.

The ambassador also mentioned that there is no specific deadline for Manila's response, though the country might be able to commit within a few weeks. The Department of Foreign Affairs and other institutions are currently assessing how the Philippines can assist.

Regarding financial contributions, Romualdez clarified that the reported USD1 billion requirement applies only to those aiming for permanent membership. "We were invited, perhaps to be part of it. Maybe we can contribute our human resources or something along those lines, but I don't think at this point in time we can afford to put any kind of amount, of money outside," he said.

The BOP was launched at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on January 22 and is considered a crucial component of a US-led peace plan to resolve conflict in Gaza and promote regional stability. The board is tasked with providing strategic oversight and mobilizing international resources during the transition in the enclave. Currently, Indonesia and Vietnam are the only Southeast Asian countries that have joined the body.