Thank you, Madam Chair.

The Philippines is deeply concerned with the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and calls on security forces to exercise restraint and refrain from using excessive force against unarmed demonstrators. We call on all parties to refrain from instigating further violence and to seek instead a peaceful solution, through constructive dialogue, and practical reconciliation in the interests of the people and their livelihood.

To prevent a further deterioration of the situation in Myanmar, the Philippines reiterates its call for a return to a status quo ante whereby democratic processes can continue in accordance with the will of the Myanmar people. Myanmar made important strides towards democratization in the past decade with the political presence of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, constitutional constraints on her key political role notwithstanding.

The Philippines remains steadfast in supporting Myanmar on its path to a fuller democracy beginning with the immediate release of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and duly-elected civilian leaders.

We express unequivocal support for the democratic transition in Myanmar.

We reaffirm our strong commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and unity of Myanmar.

As a sovereign country in a world of sovereign states, the Philippines cannot over-emphasize the primacy of national internal efforts towards democratic reforms, and never by the imposition of foreign solutions, whether in regional or multilateral contexts.

Nevertheless, the Philippines takes cognizance of the important contribution of international and regional organizations in addressing the situation in Myanmar. At the regional level, ASEAN has a crucial role to play, as the political stability in any and all ASEAN Member States is essential to achieving a collective peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN Community. There is a need for ASEAN to be ready to assist Myanmar in a positive, peaceful and constructive manner.

The UN can also contribute positively to developments on the ground. Thus, the Philippines appreciates the efforts of the Security Council, and it remains supportive of the mandate and the important and challenging work of Special Envoy Christine Burgener, including the establishment of confidence-building measures and supporting the democratic transition in Myanmar. END