MANILA — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has yet to reach an agreement on whether to recognize the recent election in Myanmar, a Philippine foreign affairs official said.

At a briefing ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN 2026 spokesperson and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said discussions among member states remain ongoing.

“At the moment, ASEAN has not reached any consensus with regard to the recognition of the results of the election in Myanmar,” he said.

The election resulted in military leader Min Aung Hlaing assuming the presidency, consolidating his control five years after the 2021 military takeover that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Imperial said ASEAN continues to rely on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

“The 5PC remains to be the framework wherein how the region deals with Myanmar at the moment. That has not changed,” he said.

The framework calls for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue among parties, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Imperial added that ASEAN will continue monitoring developments in Myanmar, including efforts to implement the agreement.

The Philippines, which will chair ASEAN in 2026 under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has reiterated its commitment to continued regional engagement on the issue.

Malacañang earlier said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro will continue consultations in her role as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar.

Imperial also said ASEAN leaders are expected to attend the summit in Cebu, except Myanmar, which will be represented by its permanent secretary of foreign affairs.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) placed security forces on full operational readiness for the summit’s hosting.

“Full operational readiness is in effect across Central Visayas as we secure the 48th ASEAN Summit,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“Our personnel are on heightened alert to ensure the safety of delegates and the smooth conduct of all related activities.”

More than 7,300 personnel from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, and other agencies have been deployed for security and emergency response operations.

Authorities are also implementing convoy protection, coastal and air surveillance, traffic management, and medical assistance systems.

The PNP has also activated cyber patrol units to monitor disinformation and potential digital threats during the summit, alongside intensified intelligence monitoring for security risks.

“Our instructions emphasize coordination at every level – from precincts to regional commands – to ensure seamless communication and immediate action, when necessary,” Nartatez said.