Philippines cautiously welcomes two-week truce in the Middle East
“We hope that the negotiations will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
Anna Mogato | April 8, 2026
Manila — The Philippines welcomed with “cautious optimism” the two-week truce between the US and Iran, hoping it leads a permanent peace in the Middle East.
“We hope that the negotiations will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
The DFA was reacting to an announcement made by US President Donald Trump that he has accepted a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan.
Washington and Tehran will sit down by Friday to discuss the terms of the truce.
Trump said the temporary truce relied heavily on Iran’s agreement to an immediate and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, through Pakistani intermediaries, said it will only agree to end the conflict if the US agrees to the conditions in its 10-point peace plan, which includes lifting sanctions on Iran, a continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, and America’s withdrawal from the Middle East.
“The conflict has caused significant loss of lives and damage to civilian and economic infrastructure, as well as disruptions in the global economy,” the DFA said. (Also read: How long will Iran hold the world hostage in the Strait of Hormuz?)
In late March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. placed the Philippines under energy emergency after the country’s reserves fell below 45 days and pump prices soared nearly 100 percent.
He also instructed the DFA to negotiate with Iran for the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf. (Also read: Security think tank opposes oil joint venture with China)
“The Philippines continues to hope that all parties will resolve their differences through earnest dialogue and diplomacy,” the DFA said.