Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday acknowledged growing frustration among Southeast Asian leaders over the lack of progress in addressing the crisis in Myanmar, describing it as a 'thorny problem' still without clear solutions. Speaking after the Retreat session of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here, Marcos said ASEAN leaders held extensive closed-door discussions on Myanmar and agreed that more efforts are needed to move the stalled peace process forward.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President said ASEAN leaders expressed frustration over the lack of implementation of the bloc's Five-Point Consensus, the peace framework adopted by ASEAN and accepted by Myanmar aimed at ending violence and restoring dialogue in the country. Myanmar continues to face internal conflict and humanitarian challenges following years of political instability and fighting involving the military government and resistance groups.

Marcos remarked on a slight shift in approach to the situation in Myanmar, reiterating that ASEAN remains committed to its core principles, including respect for human rights, rule of law, and ASEAN centrality. He emphasized that discussions are centered not on withdrawing recognition of Myanmar as a member-state but on encouraging progress toward normalization.

He announced that ASEAN foreign ministers have been tasked to continue discussions and explore possible approaches to help restart the stalled peace process. The Philippine leader also highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, stating that Myanmar is part of the ASEAN family and it is tragic when a family member is left out for any reason.

ASEAN leaders have been divided on how to engage Myanmar, with some member states advocating for broader engagement, while others insist that the military-led government must show significant progress on the Five-Point Consensus before high-level reintegration into ASEAN processes.