Philippines urges peace, multilateralism amid Middle East tensions

The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel, serve as a stark reminder for the Philippine government and United Nations (UN) member states to uphold international agreements that promote peace, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Manalo, who is set to become the Philippines’ next Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the importance of preserving diplomatic achievements during a speech marking the 80th anniversary of the Philippines’ signing of the UN Charter on June 26, 1945.

“The devastation and human suffering in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and the heightened tensions in the Middle East remind us that what we have achieved in fellowship with other nations needs to be preserved, and what we have accomplished in the future in the name of peace and development,” he said.

He also highlighted the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine as urgent examples of why global cooperation is essential.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also reiterated the Philippines’ firm opposition to the development and use of nuclear weapons. 

“The Philippines spoke more than 200 times in defense of nuclear disarmament and arms control,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose, adding that the country has consistently advocated for “the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, the prevention of proliferation, and the establishment of nuclear weapons-free zones, especially in Southeast Asia.”

Jose also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to multilateralism and its partnership with the UN. “Amidst the sovereign crisis and uncertainties confronting humanity at this time, the Philippines is committed to work hand in hand with UN member states to affirm the power of multilateralism to serve humanity’s highest aspirations,” he said.

While the DFA did not name any specific country, tensions have escalated following Israel’s claim that it attacked Iran in response to alleged nuclear weapons development intended for use against Israel, an accusation Iran has denied.

UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Arnaud Peral called for an end to violence and a return to diplomacy. “What we need today is the silence of weapons. 

“The silence of weapons in Iran, in Israel, in Palestine, in Ukraine, in Sudan, and elsewhere. We need the silence to lead to diplomacy, to multilateralism, to dialogue, and to peace. Without peace, there is no development, there is no hope,” Peral said.

The Philippines remains one of the founding members of the United Nations and continues to advocate for peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

Hours after the UN 80 event, the DFA released an official statement specifically about the reported ceasefire agreement and said that the Philippine government has expressed its support and optimism for the development.

In an official statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said, “The Philippines welcomes the US announcement of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran.”

The DFA emphasized that the country remains hopeful that this agreement could mark a significant step toward achieving long-term peace in the Middle East. “We are hopeful that it will be a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the region,” the statement added.

The Philippine government also called on all parties involved to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations in pursuit of a permanent resolution to the conflict. “We urge all parties concerned to continue engaging in dialogue and negotiations toward a permanent solution to this issue,” the DFA said.

The ceasefire, brokered with the involvement of the United States, comes amid heightened tensions and international calls for de-escalation in the region. — BM, GMA Integrated News