Hello everyone. Starting now, we will present the latest domestic news from m.CDM.
Today’s headlines include:
- 88 Generation student leader U Min Ko Naing receives the 17th Citizen of Burma Award.
- The Senthang Central Council warns civilians to prepare bomb shelters and food supplies as military offensives intensify; the Aunglan Township intelligence team issues new media policies and regulations.
- Pro-junta lobbyists circulate an AI-altered interview video of Union Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe.
- Monk Paauk Ko Taw admits that Mandalay gang members were armed and organized as Pyu Saw Htee militia groups.
We will also bring you other related news and updates.
⸻ - U Min Ko Naing receives the 17th Citizen of Burma Award
m.CDM – May 23
88 Generation student leader U Min Ko Naing has been selected as the recipient of the 17th Citizen of Burma Award for 2026.
The award ceremony was held on May 23 at Chiang Mai University’s auditorium in Thailand, where U Zaw Zaw Aung accepted the award on his behalf.
U Min Ko Naing served as chairman of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions during the 1988 uprising and endured many years of unjust imprisonment under the military regime.
After his release, he continued standing firmly with the people and has remained one of the leading figures resisting military dictatorship throughout the Spring Revolution.
For his sacrifices and dedication to democracy and human rights in Myanmar, he has also received numerous international peace awards from countries including Canada, the Czech Republic, Norway, the United States, and South Korea.
The Citizen of Burma Award organization (COBA) was founded in 2010 by Myanmar families abroad to honor individuals who selflessly serve the public good.
Previous recipients include Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (2025), Spring Revolution youth (2024), Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun (2023), PDF fighters (2022), and the Myanmar Spring Revolution (2021).
⸻ - Three KNDF battalions reorganized as Battalion 5 under Military Region 2
m.CDM – May 23
The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) announced that Battalions 6, 7, and 28 have been merged and reorganized as Battalion 5 under KNDF Military Region 2.
The merger reportedly took place on February 22, during which new commanders were also confirmed.
As troop numbers have increased, Battalion 5 stated that it urgently needs food supplies and military equipment, and appealed for public support.
With the rainy season approaching, raincoats and military boots are especially needed. Battalion officials also urged the public to continue supporting the revolution until victory is achieved.
Earlier in April, KNDF also reorganized forces around the Moe Bye area into Alpha Military Region No. 1.
⸻ - Senthang Central Council warns civilians to prepare shelters and supplies
m.CDM – May 23
The Senthang Central Council issued an emergency warning stating that Myanmar military forces are preparing offensives into Chin State from multiple directions.
Residents were urged to prepare bomb shelters and stockpile sufficient food and medicine for safety.
The Senthang armed group (SRF) also announced that security checks at local checkpoints would become stricter due to the emergency situation.
Travelers passing through controlled areas must carry recommendation letters from relevant revolutionary organizations.
Meanwhile, the “Aunglan Township Military News and Intelligence Team” in Magway Region released new media and social media regulations aimed at creating a cleaner and more reliable information environment.
The group stated it would verify ground information carefully before publishing reports and would avoid spreading misinformation or panic-inducing news.
⸻ - Junta airstrikes and abuses reported in Bago, Tanintharyi, and Sagaing
m.CDM – May 23
In Bago Region’s Okpho Township, junta forces reportedly carried out six airstrikes on a village school in Thayet Hna Phyar Lein village on May 23.
Although there were no civilian casualties, the school building was completely destroyed.
Military columns of around 300 troops have also been advancing through the township since May 21, forcing tens of thousands of villagers from around 30 villages to flee.
In Tanintharyi Region, junta troops allegedly seized civilian boats for military operations and detained villagers as human shields after clashes with resistance forces.
Airstrikes and artillery attacks were also reported in KNU-controlled areas and Sagaing Region, where civilians, including elderly residents and children, were killed or injured despite no active fighting taking place.
⸻ - AI-altered video of Dr. Zaw Wai Soe spread by pro-junta lobbyists
m.CDM – May 23
NUG Union Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe’s interview with PVTV has reportedly been altered using AI voice technology and circulated online by pro-junta lobbyists.
U Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, warned the public to remain cautious, as even some revolutionary-profile accounts had unknowingly reposted the fake video.
He said the military is not only fighting on the battlefield but is also conducting psychological warfare through misinformation and fake news.
“Think before you post,” he urged.
⸻ - MDY-PDF imposes punishments on deserters and defectors
m.CDM – May 23
The Mandalay People’s Defense Force announced disciplinary action against members who deserted with military property and funds or surrendered to junta forces.
According to the statement, several officers and soldiers abandoned their units during operations over the past five years of revolution.
Those involved have been blacklisted and sentenced in absentia according to military regulations.
The group also pledged to strengthen its command and disciplinary systems moving forward.
⸻ - Civilian killed and another injured in Saw Htee Township
m.CDM – May 23
The KNU reported that one civilian was killed, another injured, and a house destroyed due to attacks by junta forces in Saw Htee Township, Kler Lwee Htoo District.
A 13-year-old boy was injured after stepping on a landmine allegedly planted by junta troops.
Separately, artillery and drone attacks on villages reportedly killed a 75-year-old man and damaged civilian homes.
The KNU stated that civilians living in Kawthoolei-administered areas continue to live in fear due to ongoing attacks targeting civilians.
⸻ - Monk Paauk Ko Taw admits arming gang members as Pyu Saw Htee militias
m.CDM – May 23
Monk Paauk Ko Taw publicly admitted that gang members, former prisoners, and armed thugs in Mandalay were recruited and armed to form Pyu Saw Htee militia groups aligned with the military.
In a video response released on May 22, he claimed he encouraged violent youths to carry guns “for the country” instead of engaging in street violence.
He also said his efforts prevented many gang members from joining resistance groups and that he continues supporting these militias financially.
Residents of Mandalay strongly criticized his actions, blaming armed militia groups for robberies, extortion, drug trafficking, forced conscription, and abuses against civilians in the city.
⸻ - Arakan lottery program to launch with top prize of 50 million kyats
m.CDM – May 23
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government announced the launch of the “Arakkha Laung Paw” lottery program to support education, healthcare, and social development.
Lottery tickets will go on sale from June 1 at 1,000 kyats each through township tax offices and authorized agents.
The first draw will take place on July 1 and continue monthly thereafter.
The top prize is set at 50 million kyats, with a total of 39 prizes available.
Half of the lottery revenue will go toward prize money, while the remaining funds will support public welfare programs.
⸻ - 22 civilians killed and 45 injured within one week due to junta attacks
m.CDM – May 23
According to a report by Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica, targeted attacks by junta forces killed 22 civilians, injured 45, and led to the arbitrary arrest of 129 people within one week.
Between May 15 and 21, a total of 183 military incidents and attacks on civilian targets were recorded nationwide.
At least 115 attacks targeting civilians occurred across 52 townships.
The report noted that despite the junta’s public call for peace talks, airstrikes and attacks on civilians continue without pause.
These news reports were contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.