The Philippines, which holds the 2026 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has expressed concern over a deadly Myanmar military airstrike in Rakhine State and offered to facilitate regional discussions on the country’s worsening crisis.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Ana Marie Hernando said Manila was closely monitoring the Sept. 28 attack in Kyauktaw, where at least 50 people were killed and 58 others injured, according to local aid workers and the Arakan Army.

“The Philippines is closely monitoring developments and expresses concern over the attacks which resulted in destruction, loss of lives and injuries to those affected,” Hernando said in an email response Saturday.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Ana Marie Hernando closly monitoring the issue  / Collected 

According to Daily Sabah, the attack struck a crowded market area near Kacchapanadi Bridge in Kyauktaw, with local sources reporting that civilians, including vendors and shoppers, were among those killed and wounded.

The Arakan Army said a Myanmar military jet dropped two bombs near the market around midday on Sept. 28. Myanmar’s military has not publicly commented on the reported attack.

The United Nations has expressed alarm over the casualties, warning of the continuing risks faced by civilians in Rakhine, where fighting between the military and the Arakan Army has intensified.

The Philippines said it would respect ASEAN members’ positions and the bloc’s consensus-based approach while remaining ready to facilitate discussions on how ASEAN could help Myanmar.

The offer comes as ASEAN continues to struggle to implement its Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an end to violence, dialogue among conflicting parties, humanitarian assistance and greater diplomatic engagement.

The Arakan Army has seized large parts of Rakhine since launching a major offensive in late 2023. The Myanmar military has increasingly relied on airstrikes and artillery as it has lost ground.

For Manila, the latest violence presents another difficult test of ASEAN diplomacy. Its cautious response signals an effort to keep regional engagement alive without breaking the bloc’s long-standing emphasis on a “Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led” solution.

 

 

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