A Philippine-led ASEAN mission has begun aid deliveries in Myanmar, with an operation expected to reach more than 11,000 households through November.
Rice, family kits and hygiene supplies were among the goods delivered to internally displaced people in Taunggyi, Southern Shan State, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro led the ASEAN Monitoring Team’s work there, joined by representatives of ASEAN member states and Japan.
The DFA said the relief operation is expected to continue through November in Kayin State, Northern Shan State and Southern Shan State. Its projected reach exceeds 11,000 households. Planned supplies include rice sacks weighing 50 kilograms, hygiene kits and other essentials.
The deliveries are part of a wider humanitarian effort. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) projected that 16.2 million people in Myanmar would need assistance in 2026. An OCHA update in July estimated that nearly 3.8 million people had been displaced.
ASEAN leaders adopted the Five-Point Consensus in 2021. It calls for an end to violence, restraint by the parties, dialogue and mediation by the bloc’s special envoy. The agreement also provides for humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and directs the envoy and a delegation to visit Myanmar and meet all parties.
The Associated Press reported that Myanmar’s military-backed government is seeking improved foreign relations and political legitimacy abroad. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told Reuters he expected Myanmar to be discussed at the summit, but said it was unclear whether members would consider restoring the country’s full representation. The AP reported that ASEAN leaders are scheduled to meet in Manila in mid-November.
