Philippines calls on Myanmar to restore status quo ante

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has called for the "complete restoration of the status quo ante" in Myanmar after a military takeover that led to the arrest of the country's key leaders and triggered mass protests.

"The Philippines has been supportive of Myanmar’s progress towards a fuller democracy, cognizant of the Army’s role in preserving its territorial integrity and national security, as well as the unifying role of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the history of the country and Army her father founded," Locsin said in a statement.

"The realization of this democratic process can only be achieved through the complete restoration of the status quo ante."

The DFA earlier said the Philippines is viewing with concern the developments in Myanmar particularly Suu Kyi's detention.

Thousands have gathered in Naypyidaw, Yangon, and Mandalay to protest the military coup, and called for the release of democratically-elected leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and other lawmakers.

Riot police used water cannon to disperse protesters and the government has imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The United States and United Nations condemned the use of force against protesters.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said 252 Filipinos have signified interest to be repatriated amid ongoing political instability in the Southeast Asian state.

Embassy officers are finalizing the list of confirmed repatriates and will arrange their flights back to Manila, the DFA said.

Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for campaigning for democracy and spent nearly 15 years under house arrest.

The 75-year-old faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkies and is being held in detention until Feb. 15. Her lawyer said he has not been allowed to see her.

Suu Kyi remains hugely popular at home despite damage to her international reputation over the plight of the Muslim Rohingya minority. —with Reuters/LBG/KBK, GMA News