DFA urges Myanmar to free political prisoners on 79th Union Day

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called for the release of more political prisoners in Myanmar in time for the country’s 79th Anniversary of the Union Day.

In a statement on Thursday, DFA extended its congratulations for the commemoration and extended its hope for the release of the 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,” DFA said.

The Philippines earlier hosted a meeting of "important political groups" from Myanmar in an effort to advance the country’s peace plan.

The talk tackled de-escalation, facilitating aid delivery, and fostering political dialogue.

Myanmar is currently embroiled in a civil war after the army ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

The country was barred from ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 due to the junta’s refusal to implement the Five-Point Consensus peace plan. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News