The Philippines on Wednesday called on Myanmar’s military authorities to allow an ASEAN special envoy to meet detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, pressing for greater transparency after officials moved her to house arrest.

In a statement, the Philippines, this year’s chair of the ASEAN, said the development could mark an initial step toward confidence-building measures needed for long-term stability in Myanmar.

“We view these developments as vital steps in a sequence of confidence-building measures necessary for long-term national stability in Myanmar,” the statement said.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs also urged Myanmar to allow Suu Kyi to communicate with her family, saying such a move would “demonstrate genuine commitment to national reconciliation.” It added that granting access to ASEAN’s special envoy would support engagement with all stakeholders and help advance an inclusive national dialogue.

According to Reuters, Manila further emphasized that the latest developments should be used to build momentum for political dialogue and reconciliation under ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, a peace framework aimed at resolving Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.

Suu Kyi has been in detention since the military overthrew her elected government in a 2021 coup. She has been serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted on multiple charges, which her allies say were politically motivated.

Her sentence was reduced by one-sixth as part of a recent amnesty for thousands of prisoners. The amnesty also saw the release of her ally and former president Win Myint.

The Philippines reiterated that meaningful progress in Myanmar will depend on transparency, inclusive political engagement, and concrete steps toward implementing ASEAN’s peace plan.

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