Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Zen Hernandez

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, chaired by the Philippines this year, expressed serious concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East in the war the United States and Israel started with Iran, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed diplomatic engagement.In a press briefing Friday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro read the bloc’s position following a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the crisis.“We expressed serious concern over the situation in the Middle East and its impacts in the region, and emphasized the importance of the immediate cessation of hostilities, called all parties to exercise utmost self-restraint, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue, and respect for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Lazaro said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/3/12/ph-gov-t-needs-to-prepare-for-possible-iranian-attack-in-california-malaca-ang-says-1724">PH gov’t needs to prepare for possible Iranian attack in California, Malacañang says </a></div>The statement comes as the conflict raises fears of wider regional instability and disruptions to global energy and maritime trade routes, both critical to Southeast Asian economies.ASEAN foreign ministers have started discussing potential economic consequences of the conflict, particularly the impact on energy markets and shipping lanes. Lazaro said ministers underscored the importance of maintaining stable, open, and reliable global and regional energy supply chains, noting that tensions in the Middle East could affect maritime routes vital to oil shipments bound for Asia. To mitigate potential disruptions, ASEAN will rely on existing regional mechanisms as well as cooperation frameworks like ASEAN Plus Three — with China, Japan and South Korea — and the ASEAN Gulf Cooperation Countries and Industry Partners. &quot;We also stressed the importance of enhanced intra-ASEAN trade and increased utilization of renewable energy as viable alternatives to fossil fuels,&quot; she said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/3/12/iran-says-war-could-destroy-global-economy-trump-vows-to-finish-job-0834">Iran says war could destroy global economy, Trump vows to &#x27;finish&#x27; job </a></div>Another key focus of the discussions was the safety of ASEAN citizens in the Middle East, where thousands of Southeast Asians work and live.Lazaro said ASEAN member states agreed to strengthen coordination and information sharing in providing assistance to their nationals, citing regional guidelines on consular assistance during crisis situations.She also acknowledged the help extended among member states, citing Singapore’s offer of seats on a military aircraft for evacuating citizens of ASEAN countries departing from Saudi Arabia.Among those are 24 distressed overseas Filipino workers who arrived in Singapore aboard the Singapore-organized repatriation flight on March 13. “This is how it’s done in ASEAN,” Lazaro said. “When we have available seats in our missions to assist our nationals abroad, we also offer them to fellow ASEAN member states.”On oil security issues, Lazaro said the Department of Energy is closely monitoring supply and studying possible options, including potential imports.She said the Philippines is considering importing Russian crude oil following the temporary lifting of US sanctions, but clarified that that is up to the DOE.Despite concerns over the escalating conflict, Lazaro acknowledged that ASEAN’s role in directly mediating between the parties is limited.“As far as I know, ASEAN as an entity has been having discussions with GCC countries,” she said, adding that diplomatic efforts are also being pursued through the United Nations, which recently passed a resolution on the situation in the Middle East.“But to pacify countries, we can only make statements,” she said, referring to ASEAN’s collective calls for restraint and peace. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/3/13/saudi-forces-down-drones-after-iran-vows-to-target-oil-resources-0909">Saudi forces down drones after Iran vows to target oil resources</a></div>

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations expressed serious concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East in the war that the United States and Israel started with Iran, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed diplomatic engagement.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations expressed serious concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East in the war that the United States and Israel started with Iran, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed diplomatic engagement.

ASEAN calls for ceasefire, diplomacy as Middle East conflict threatens energy supply

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ASEAN calls for ceasefire, diplomacy as Middle East conflict threatens energy supply

Zen Hernandez,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 13, 2026 06:03 PM PHT

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US

Iran

war

Middle East

DFA

OFW

ASEAN

Philippines

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