PH: Release of ex-Myanmar President U Win Myint ‘constructive step’ for peace

The Philippine government on Sunday welcomed the release of former Myanmar President U Win Myint, following the granting of amnesty to 4,514 prisoners.

“This significant development is a constructive step toward fostering a more conducive environment in Myanmar for building confidence and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

Win Myint served as Myanmar’s president from 2018 until the military coup in 2021. Meanwhile, authorities also reduced the 27-year sentence of his ally, Aung San Suu Kyi, by one-sixth.

“The Philippines reiterates the paramount importance of the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other remaining political prisoners, particularly the elderly and infirm,” the DFA added.

“Such actions are vital to advancing meaningful national dialogue and supporting the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar.”

In observance of Myanmar’s New Year (Thingyan), the DFA said the Philippines hopes the move will lead to further acts of goodwill and constructive engagement toward a peaceful and inclusive national dialogue under a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political process.—MCG, GMA News