MANILA, Oct. 3, 2026 — The Philippines, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has expressed concern over a deadly airstrike in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State that killed dozens of people and injured many others.
The Philippine government said it was closely monitoring developments following the airstrike in Kyauktaw and expressed concern over the reported loss of life, injuries and destruction caused by the attack.
“The Philippines is closely monitoring developments and expresses concern over the attacks which resulted in destruction, loss of lives and injuries to those affected,” Ana Marie Hernando, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs, said in an email response on Saturday, according to Reuters.
The Philippines also said it was prepared to facilitate discussions among ASEAN member states on possible ways to assist Myanmar. Manila stressed that its approach would continue to follow ASEAN’s consensus-based principles and the regional bloc’s shared aspiration for a solution that is “Myanmar-owned and led.”
The airstrike took place on Sept. 28 in Kyauktaw Township in Rakhine State, near Myanmar’s border with Bangladesh. According to reports, the attack killed about 50 people and wounded dozens more, making it one of the deadliest airstrikes reported in Rakhine State in recent months.
The area is controlled by the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed organisation that has been fighting Myanmar’s military. The attack reportedly struck an area near a market and bridge, where civilians were present. The Arakan Army and local rescue officials have reported a high number of civilian casualties.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, where fighting between the military and armed groups has continued amid Myanmar’s wider conflict.
Myanmar has been embroiled in a nationwide armed conflict since the military seized power in February 2021. The conflict has involved the military, ethnic armed organisations and other opposition forces across several parts of the country.
The prolonged conflict has resulted in extensive loss of life and displacement. Reuters reported that the conflict has killed around 100,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million people across Myanmar.
The United Nations has also expressed concern over the Kyauktaw airstrike, calling for civilians to be protected and for humanitarian assistance to reach affected communities.
For the Philippines, the incident presents another challenge as ASEAN chair. Manila has indicated that it will continue working through the regional bloc while taking into account the positions of all ASEAN member states.
The Philippine government has reiterated its readiness to facilitate ASEAN discussions aimed at supporting efforts to address Myanmar’s crisis, while maintaining the principle that any eventual solution should be led by Myanmar itself.
