DFA chief named Myanmar strife envoy

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro as special envoy to Myanmar as the Philippines seeks to spearhead a peaceful resolution to the armed skirmishes between that country and Thailand.

Marcos said Lazaro will bring a “constructive, principled, and inclusive approach” in supporting the people of Myanmar, guided by the mandate she has been given and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

This is part of the Philippines’ actions during its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

“We believe that through cooperation and understanding, ASEAN can further strengthen its role as a force for peace and progress in the global community,” Marcos said during the launch of the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN.

“Secretary Tess, you better get this done. I already made a promise to everyone,” the President said.

The 5PC is a roadmap for peace in Myanmar that was agreed upon by Asean leaders in 2021.

It consists of the following: immediate cessation of violence; constructive dialogue to seek a peaceful solution; mediation, facilitated by a Special Envoy of Asean, to support dialogue; humanitarian assistance from Asean; and a meeting in Myanmar by the Special Envoy with all the parties concerned.