ASEAN Leaders Seek New Approach to Myanmar Crisis, Says Marcos

CEBU, Philippines, May 9, 2026 (KPT) — Southeast Asian leaders have agreed on the need to explore new ways of addressing the crisis in Myanmar, amid frustration over stalled efforts to implement the bloc’s peace plan, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference after the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Marcos said there was broad recognition that the current process had reached an impasse.

“We all agree that we would like to see more progress,” he told reporters. “There was, I think, a tacit agreement that we need to do more. We need to find other ways to move the process forward.”

The issue was discussed during a closed‑door retreat session, where several leaders voiced concern over the continuing deadlock. Marcos said ASEAN members viewed Myanmar not simply as a partner but as part of the “ASEAN family.”

“It is a tragedy when a family member is left out for whatever reason,” he said.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in 2021, triggering widespread violence and armed resistance.

ASEAN’s response has centred on the Five‑Point Consensus, which calls for an immediate cessation of violence, dialogue among all parties, humanitarian aid and the appointment of a special envoy.

Marcos said the bloc remained committed to the principles of the consensus, including respect for human rights and the rule of law, but acknowledged that implementation had made little progress due to the military government’s failure to comply.

ASEAN leaders are under growing pressure to reassess their approach as fighting and instability continue across Myanmar.