MANILA — The Philippine government welcomed Myanmar’s establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the alleged human rights violations in the Rakhine State.
“The Philippines has maintained its expression of concern over the situation in the Rakhine State, including in ASEAN, and has also consistently welcomed the commitment expressed by Myanmar authorities in addressing this complex issue,” Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement from Singapore where he is attending the 51st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.
“The Philippines thus considers the establishment of the Commission to be a positive step towards addressing the situation,” he added.
At the same time, he welcomed the appointment of former DFA Undersecretary Rosario Manalo as head of the independent commission.
Cayetano said Manila is pleased to contribute in the efforts to address the situation in Myanmar.
Cayetano said the appointment of Manalo, former Chair and currently representative of the Philippines to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), is a recognition not only of her credentials but also her lifelong work in the field of human rights within and outside the region.
“The Philippines wishes Ambassador Manalo well, and her equally esteemed colleagues in the Commission, as they set out on this important endeavor,” he said. (DFA-PR/PNA)
