PBBM trumpets need to end Gulf conflict

MACTAN, Cebu — ASEAN leaders on Friday expressed “serious concern” over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, condemning both the preemptive attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the retaliatory strikes launched by Tehran against countries in the region.

Speaking at the opening of the 48th ASEAN Summit plenary in Cebu, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the conflict has disrupted global transport routes, affected energy supplies, and heightened economic pressures across Southeast Asia.

The Philippine leader called for the “immediate cessation of hostilities,” the peaceful settlement of disputes, the protection of civilians, and the restoration of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

“ASEAN has expressed serious concern over the escalation of the conflict due to the preemptive attacks initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran and the subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran against several countries in the region,” Marcos said before the 11-member bloc.

“These developments have disrupted maritime and air transport routes, heightened risks to merchant and non-combatant vessels and aircraft, and affected the flow of energy and essential goods,” he said.

Supply disruptions

“For ASEAN, these challenges are deeply felt by our people through higher living costs, supply disruptions, threatened livelihoods, economic strain, [and] growing vulnerability,” Marcos said.

The Middle East conflict dominated the discussions as the ASEAN leaders gathered in Cebu under the Philippine chairship with the theme “Navigating Our Future Together.”

Marcos said the worsening geopolitical situation had forced the Philippines to recalibrate aspects of its hosting of the ASEAN summit, including scaling down non-essential activities and shifting some meetings online.

“Despite the calibration, we strive to remain responsive to the needs of our ASEAN community and to focus on fulfilling our chairship goals,” he said.

The summit focused heavily on three priorities identified by the Philippines: energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals abroad.

Marcos said ASEAN must strengthen its coordination to ensure a stable energy supply, improve regional interconnectivity, and accelerate renewable energy development to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

“At a time of heightened volatility, ASEAN must strengthen coordination and reinforce preparedness,” he said.

He also called for stronger intra-ASEAN trade and food supply resilience after disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz affected fertilizer supply, food prices, and transport.

The Philippine leader also highlighted the need to protect ASEAN nationals working overseas, particularly in conflict-affected areas in the Middle East.

“This means strengthening early warning systems, enhancing consular coordination, and ensuring the timely delivery of assistance,” Marcos said.