Philippines backs ASEAN's role in addressing Myanmar issue
(VOVWORLD) - The Philippines on Thursday said it strongly supports a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) secretary-general and current chair Brunei to visit Myanmar and spearhead a response to the situation there.
 Myanmar police tightens security control in Hlaingthaya district in Yangon city on March 14, 2021. Photo: AFP/VNA |
In a statement, its foreign ministry said President Rodrigo Duterte would not attend Saturday's ASEAN leaders' meeting because of a COVID-19 crisis at home, but would be represented by foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin. The Philippines strongly backs the meeting "even without the full attendance of all ASEAN leaders," it said.