Manila: The Philippines, which holds the 2026 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has expressed concern over a deadly airstrike in Myanmar's Rakhine State and said it is ready to facilitate discussions within ASEAN on ways to assist the country.
The statement came after an airstrike in Kyauktaw Township on September 28 that reportedly killed at least 50 people and injured 58 others, according to the United Nations. The attack occurred near the Indian Market and Kissapanadi Bridge in an area controlled by the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group fighting Myanmar's military.
"The Philippines is closely monitoring developments and expresses concern over the attacks which resulted in destruction, loss of lives and injuries to those affected," Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Ana Marie Hernando said in an email response.
The Philippines said that, as ASEAN chair, it remained mindful of the views of all member states and would continue to follow the regional bloc's consensus based approach. Manila also said it was prepared to facilitate discussions within ASEAN on ways to assist Myanmar, in line with what it described as the common aspiration for a Myanmar owned and led solution.
The September 28 attack was one of the deadliest airstrikes reported in Rakhine State since the military seized power in Myanmar in February 2021. The United Nations said at least 50 people were reportedly killed and 58 injured, with women and children among those affected.
The attack occurred during a busy period at a market with more than 200 shops. The United Nations said vendors, customers, transport workers and other civilians were among the reported victims. The market was used by members of several communities, including Rakhine, Rohingya, Hindu and Daingnet communities.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed serious concern about the attack and said it raised serious questions about respect for international humanitarian law.
The United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has also begun seeking information about the attack. The mechanism is asking people who witnessed the incident or have direct knowledge of it to provide evidence about the Indian Market attack, including information about the aircraft and weapons used, the victims, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Early reports put the death toll at 49, while later reports and the United Nations put it at 50. The United Nations has reported 58 people injured. The figures could change as more information becomes available.
The Arakan Army has accused Myanmar's military of carrying out the attack. The Myanmar military did not immediately comment on the attack. It has previously said its air operations target legitimate military threats. The circumstances and intent of the September 28 attack remain subject to investigation.
The attack comes amid continuing conflict in Myanmar, which began after the military seized power in February 2021. The military has been fighting ethnic armed groups and other forces opposed to military rule. The Arakan Army has gained control over large parts of Rakhine State during the conflict.
The prolonged conflict has displaced more than 3.5 million people across Myanmar and severely disrupted access to food, health care and other essential services.
For ASEAN, the latest airstrike adds to an already difficult effort to address the crisis in Myanmar. The regional bloc continues to use its Five Point Consensus as the main framework for dealing with the conflict and supporting humanitarian assistance.
Manila said it would continue to work within ASEAN's consensus based approach while remaining ready to facilitate discussions among member states on ways to assist Myanmar.