NATIONAL Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año has recently come under fire on social media following DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s disclosure that some top government officials, including Año, played a crucial role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his subsequent departure to the Netherlands to face the International Court of Justice.
In my many years as a journalist covering national defense and security, I have had many opportunities to observe Secretary Año. He consistently stands out as one of the most honorable and gentlemanly military officers I have encountered—dedicated, hardworking, humble, soft-spoken, and approachable.
In my view, Año should not be blamed for his recent actions; he was simply fulfilling his duty. As a soldier and public servant, his role is to follow the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, even when personal feelings are involved. His position in national security is critical, and personal emotions cannot interfere with his responsibilities.
I am sure that he finds former President Duterte’s situation just as disheartening, given his long-standing relationship with the former. Año served as AFP Chief of Staff under former President Duterte from 2016 to 2017 and as DILG Secretary from 2018 to 2022. He also held vital roles as Vice Chairman of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and co-Vice Chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC.
During his tenure as AFP Chief of Staff, Año led the fight against the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists during the Marawi Siege, where he also served as Martial Law Administrator in Mindanao. After retiring from military service, he was appointed Officer in Charge then Secretary of the DILG by then-President Duterte. In January 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him as National Security Adviser.
Given Año’s numerous contributions and sacrifices, the criticism he faces is unwarranted. He remains a loyal public servant, dutifully following the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, as he has done throughout his many years of dedicated service to the nation.
