The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on Friday called on the international community to reaffirm its commitment to settling disputes through peaceful means.

The statement came as Ukraine continues to counter Russia’s attack that began on Thursday, with fierce battles reportedly taking place close to the capital Kyiv.

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing preliminary data, said at least 137 people — soldiers and civilians — were killed on the first day of attacks by Russian troops.

“According to our information, the enemy has identified me as the number one target. My family is the number two target.

“They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state,” he added.

“The Philippines calls on the international community to reaffirm by more than words its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes. We recall the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes which provides the legal framework for recourse to diplomacy, dialogue, and rule of law,” the DFA said.

“In the present crisis, where the situation is not irreversible and there is no compelling reason for any of the protagonists to resort to hostile actions, turning to the Manila Declaration is the pragmatic and decent way to go,” it added.

It urged all parties to exert every effort to stick to diplomatic and peaceful means to maintain international peace and security and avert a humanitarian crisis.

The Manila Declaration is a landmark instrument on the peaceful settlement of international disputes and reaffirms that all States shall refrain from threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.

It also reiterates that no State or group of States has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly in the internal affairs of any other States.

In addition, it outlines several means for dispute settlement, including negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional arrangements or agencies, or other peaceful means of their own choice.

It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in November 1982.