Naypyidaw, 31 March 2025 – The State Administration Council (SAC) has declared a national mourning period following the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March at 12:51 PM Myanmar Standard Time.

The earthquake has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction, prompting the government to designate 31 March to 6 April 2025 as a period of national mourning. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country as a sign of respect and solidarity with the victims and affected communities.

The announcement was formally issued today with the signature of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar.

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March 31, 2025 - Naypyidaw

Militants from the People’s Defense Force (PDF) attacked a power substation in Salin Township, Magway Region, early Monday morning, as Myanmar continues to grapple with electricity shortages following last week’s devastating earthquake, according to a statement from the country’s information team.

The attack took place around 6:00 AM at the Ta Nyaung substation, located approximately 5.5 kilometers northwest of Salin town. Security forces engaged the assailants in a firefight after the militants opened fire with the arms. The attackers reportedly retreated following the clash, and no casualties were reported.

This incident comes in the wake of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28 at 12:51 PM local time, causing widespread power outages. The government has been working to restore electricity while also conducting disaster relief operations for affected communities.

The statement said that PDF groups are exploiting the post-disaster situation to carry out sabotage operations. The government claims that the militants are 'disrupting recovery efforts through various destructive means,' while civilians continue to struggle with ongoing hardships.

Authorities continue efforts to repair the damaged substation as blackouts persist across multiple townships in the region. The security situation remains tense as restoration work progresses.

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March 31, 2025 - Naypyidaw

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister, conducted an inspection visit today to the Naypyidaw Tatmadaw (Armed Forces ) General Hospital to assess medical care being provided to victims of the recent earthquake.

During the visit, the Senior General met with patients receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the disaster, including civilians, government employees, and military personnel along with their family members.

He met individually with hospitalized patients, asking about their injuries and recovery status while offering words of consolation.

Hospital authorities reported that approximately 600 patients have been treated since the earthquake struck, with 30 requiring emergency surgical procedures. Currently, 42 patients remain hospitalized and are continuing to receive medical care.

The Senior General was accompanied by senior military medical officers during the inspection tour. He instructed hospital administrators to ensure all necessary resources are available for patient treatment and recovery.

This visit comes as part of the government's response to the earthquake that affected central regions of Myanmar earlier this week. The military hospital has been serving as a one of the primary treatment centers for casualties from the disaster.

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Nay Pyi Taw, March 30

In response to the severe earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, causing significant damage and losses within the country, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister of the Myanmar, today spoke by phone with Dato’ Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who is also the current ASEAN Chair. This was reported in an official statement released by the SAC.

During the call, the Malaysian Prime Minister, in his capacity as both the leader of Malaysia and the ASEAN Chair, expressed deep sorrow over the destruction and losses in Myanmar. He mentioned that earlier this morning, Malaysia had dispatched a rescue team via aircraft. Additionally, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister had held a video conference with other ASEAN foreign ministers to discuss how ASEAN member states, as part of the ASEAN family, could collaborate and provide assistance in a spirit of friendship and solidarity.

The Senior General expressed gratitude for the concern shown by the Malaysian Prime Minister, both in his role as ASEAN Chair and as the leader of Malaysia, for reaching out by phone regarding the situation in Myanmar. He also thanked Malaysia for its assistance, noting that with the support of the AHA Centre, rescue teams from Singapore had already arrived in Myanmar yesterday and were carrying out their duties. He stated that Myanmar continues to conduct search and rescue operations, with the current death toll at around 1,700, approximately 3,400 injured, and nearly 300 still missing. He added that the number of fatalities could rise further and that the situation remains fluid. The Senior General emphasized his appreciation for the support extended by Malaysia and other ASEAN member states during this difficult time, expressing gratitude to the ASEAN community as a whole.

In response, the Malaysian Prime Minister stated that Myanmar and Malaysia have long enjoyed close and friendly relations. As such, Malaysia is committed to providing the best possible assistance. He further mentioned that Malaysia’s Foreign Minister would be sent to Myanmar to assess the ground situation and determine how additional aid could be provided.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged Malaysia as a country with strong ties of friendship with Myanmar and welcomed the upcoming visit of Malaysia’s Foreign Minister. He reiterated Myanmar’s commitment to constructive cooperation within the ASEAN community and expressed deep appreciation for the support and solidarity shown by Malaysia, both as a nation and as the ASEAN Chair. He emphasized that such gestures greatly strengthened Myanmar and that he, along with the people of Myanmar, were deeply grateful.

These conversations were outlined in the official press release

28 March 2025

The Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, visited the Nay Pyi Taw People’s Hospital (1000-bed) this afternoon on March 28. During his visit, he observed the medical treatment being provided to those injured by the earthquake and consoled them with comforting words.

Additionally, he inspected the relief operations in the residential areas for civil servants near Nay Pyi Taw’s Myo Ma Market, where houses were damaged by the earthquake. He instructed officials to prioritize rescuing those trapped in collapsed buildings and to swiftly address other necessary measures, according to a statement released by the SAC.

It has been reported that he will continue to visit and assess other areas affected by the earthquake.

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DOCUMENTS from the International Criminal Court revealed that the government knew beforehand about former president Rodrigo Duterte's impending arrest.

Government officials have denied that they had prior knowledge of the arrest warrant.

The documents detail prior consultations between Philippine authorities and international agencies, indicating that the government had not only been informed of the arrest request but had also agreed to comply with it.

Duterte was arrested last Tuesday shortly after arriving from Hong Kong and flown just hours later to the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquarters in The Hague, where he faces a trial for alleged complicity to crimes against humanity linked to the war on drugs during his presidency.

Official communications confirm that Philippine authorities were consulted in advance about the request.

The ICC Diffusion request for Duterte's arrest was transmitted to the Philippine government before any public announcement was made.

"The Diffusion is transmitted after prior consultations with the Government of the Philippines, who have agreed to comply with this request for arrest," the document read.

The Diffusion request was not officially verified by Interpol's General Secretariat to determine if it complies with all of the organization's rules and legal frameworks.

Unlike a Red Notice, which goes through a formal review by the General Secretariat, a Diffusion is directly sent to member countries through Interpol's communication channels without prior vetting.

The distinction raises concerns about the due process followed in Duterte's case.

The Interpol Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) is responsible for reviewing the legality and compliance of notices and Diffusions. If concerns arise, Interpol members may refer it to the NDTF for further examination.

In Duterte's case, since the Diffusion is active, authorities have been called to act on it, yet the lack of formal review leaves room for potential legal challenges.

Duterte's legal team could argue that the request is politically motivated and does not meet Interpol's constitutional safeguards against politically driven cases.

The revelation of the government's prior knowledge and agreement to Duterte's arrest raises bigger concerns regarding transparency and its position on the ICC's investigation.

Duterte has been charged under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute for orchestrating extrajudicial killings linked to his "drug war" from 2011 to 2019.

High-ranking officials had consistently denied they knew in advance about the ICC warrant.

Legal experts and human rights advocates have criticized the government's contradictory statements, arguing that misleading denials further undermine its credibility in the ICC probe and cast doubt on its commitment to international legal obligations.

"These documents confirm that the government's public denials were false. Philippine authorities were aware of the arrest plans and coordinated with the ICC," a legal analyst told The Manila Times.

On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would assist the Interpol in serving arrest warrants for Duterte's co-accused.

"We know that aside from the former president, other people are also being investigated, and since someone has already been arrested, we more or less already have a template," PNP spokesman BGen. Jean Fajardo said.

"In case warrants cropped up and the Interpol asked for assistance, the PNP is very much willing to provide assistance in its implementation in accordance with existing law," Fajardo said.

She said the government provided the necessary assistance to Duterte, including medical services, after he was brought to The Hague.

Fajardo also dispelled reports on social media that several police officers have resigned in support of Duterte.

"These are all fake news; that's why we always appeal to everybody to be discerning and vigilant, and not to believe anything they see on social media," she said.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/17/news/ph-govt-consulted-on-dutertes-arrest/2074080