DFA again calls on Filipinos in Myanmar to take caution as violence escalates

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reiterated its call to Filipinos in Myanmar to remain cautious and avoid going to areas of protests. “The Philippine government is deeply concerned with the recent escalation of violence in Myanmar and calls on security forces to exercise restraint and refrain from using excessive force against unarmed demonstrators,” the department said in a statement late Wednesday. “Filipinos in Myanmar are once more advised to avoid places of protest, monitor developments through reputable sources, and check with the Philippine Embassy in Yangon for further advisories,” it added. The military in Myanmar is back in charge and has declared a year-long state of emergency after seizing control on Feb. 1 following a general election that Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD party won by a landslide. Ms. Suu Kyi and other officials have been detained. The public took to the street its dissent to the military’s take over of the government. On Wednesday, 38 protesters were killed, bringing the total to over 50, according to an article by the Associated Press, citing United Nations special envoy to Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. in an informal online meeting with foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Tuesday said the government is “deeply concerned” about developments there. He has called for a return to the previous state of affairs there and the immediate release of Ms. Suu Kyi. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas