Southeast Asian leaders convened on Wednesday for the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathering. X/@ASEAN

VIENTIANE, Lao PDR — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said Southeast Asian leaders are “trying to formulate new strategies to move forward” with the conflict in Myanmar.

Southeast Asian leaders met for talks with a Myanmar junta representative on the opening day of the ASEAN Summit as the regional bloc tries to find a negotiated solution to the civil war in Myanmar.

“We have to admit that although the five points have been out there… we have not been very successful in actually changing the situation,” the President told reporters in a chance interview.

Marcos was referring to the Five-Point Consensus that ASEAN leaders agreed on in 2021, which include:

• • immediate cessation of violence
• • constructive dialogue
• • mediation by an ASEAN special envoy
• • provision of humanitarian assistance
• • and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet with all parties in the conflict.
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• “We are trying to formulate new strategies to move forward. We haven't done it yet,” he said.

Marcos Jr. did not give further details about ASEAN’s discussion with the junta representative, but noted that the “position of the Philippines remains the same.”

“We are firmly behind the ASEAN proposal of the five points of consensus and we are trying to find ways to move forward,” he said.

READ: SE Asian summit seeks progress on Myanmar civil war 

In February 2021, ASEAN blocked Myanmar’s junta officials from its annual summits after the military group ousted Aung San Suu Kyi from power. 

The junta had agreed to a "five point consensus" plan with ASEAN to restore peace, but violated its provisions, leaving thousands dead and millions fleeing from Myanmar.