Philippines calls on Myanmar to free political prisoners

The Philippines has called on Myanmar to free all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, to normalize the political situation in the Southeast Asian states.

Manuel Mogato | July 2, 2026

MANILA — The Philippines has called on Myanmar to free all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, to normalize the political situation in the Southeast Asian state, five years after Burmese generals seized power from an elected civilian leadership.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, serving as the regional ASEAN special envoy to Naypyidaw, has remained committed to resolving the Myanmar crisis by urging the generals to implement the five consensus points agreed with ASEAN.

“In her engagements with Myanmar military leaders, Lazaro called for concrete measures that contribute to genuine dialogue and meaningful progress, which include the release of prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,” the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

Lazaro also welcomed the amnesty granted to around 4,500 prisoners and the transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from detention to house arrest, it added. (Also read:

“As Myanmar take steps in a positive direction, we reiterate the importance of releasing all other prisoners, particularly the elderly and infirm, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,” the statement said.

“Such actions are essential to advancing meaningful political dialogue as envisioned in the 5PC,” the statement added.

In 2021, the generals staged a coup, seizing power and jailing the civilian political leaders. In response, ASEAN suspended the participation of Myanmar generals from ASEAN summits, inviting only lower-level diplomats. (Also read: India’s Highway to Thailand Hinges on a Peaceful Myanmar)

But ASEAN created a special envoy to Myanmar to continue engaging with the generals, hoping to normalize the situation.