DFA concerned over Myanmar coup, Suu Kyi's safety

The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has expressed deep concern over the military coup in Myanmar and the arrest of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The DFA stated that the Philippines is closely monitoring the situation and is particularly worried about Suu Kyi's safety.

This statement from the DFA came a day after President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. initially withheld comment, calling the event an internal matter.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. clarified that Roque's remark was his personal opinion.

The government's primary objective is to ensure the safety of over 1,200 Filipinos in Myanmar, with standby military and naval assets available for potential evacuation.

The DFA emphasized that Myanmar had achieved significant progress in its democratization efforts, which Manila has consistently supported.