02 August 2018 — The Philippines welcomed the establishment by Myanmar of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate 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,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. 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,” the Secretary said.

In his statement, the Secretary said the Philippines is pleased to contribute to efforts to address the situation in Myanmar and welcomes the appointment of Ambassador Manalo, as Chairperson of the Commission. According to Secretary Cayetano, the appointment of Ambassador 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.

Source: DFA Website, 1 August 2018