Philippines, Singapore leaders call for release of Suu Kyi

SINGAPORE—The leaders of the Philippines and Singapore have expressed deep concern over the political crisis in Myanmar.

In a joint press statement, they also called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Myint, and foreign detainees.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had separate meetings with Singaporean President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in which regional and international developments were tackled.

"The Leaders called for the release of all political detainees including President U Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and foreign detainees," read the joint press statement.

The statement said that the leaders called on Myanmar to avoid actions "that would be inimical to eventual national reconciliation in Myanmar."

"They also expressed deep disappointment at the limited progress in and lack of commitment of the military authorities to the timely and complete implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, including the lack of cooperation by the Myanmar military authorities to facilitate the ASEAN Special Envoy to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties concerned," the statement said.

A Myanmar junta court had sentenced Suu Kyi to three years in jail over electoral fraud during 2020 polls, which her party won in a landslide.

Suu Kyi was also convicted of corruption and a clutch of other charges by a closed junta court and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers have already raised strong concern and were divided over the worsening situation and killings in Myanmar.

According to the DFA, Marcos and the Singaporean leaders have voiced their support for multilateral and UN engagement on Myanmar, including the work of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar.

They also urged for UN representatives and agencies to be granted full access to Myanmar amid the tension there.

"The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ASEAN’s efforts in alleviating the humanitarian situation in Myanmar," the statement said.

"While upholding ASEAN’s principle of non-interference, the leaders expressed support for ASEAN’s active role in assisting Myanmar, an integral member of the ASEAN Family, to overcome the current crisis and to return to the path of democratisation," it added.  —NB, GMA News