The Manila Times
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who has retired from government, Malacañang announced Wednesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos appointed former Armed Forces chief Eduardo Oban as Año’s successor. “Secretary Año has decided to retire from public service after decades of continuous service in government and in the military,” Castro said during a press conference. “We thank Secretary Año for his dedicated and distinguished service to the Filipino people,” she added. As national security adviser, Año played a key role in strengthening the national security framework, advancing the government’s counterterrorism and internal security efforts, and ensuring close coordination across the security sector during a period of evolving regional and global challenges, Castro said. “His leadership has helped maintain stability and protect the welfare of our citizens,” she added. Año, a former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was appointed by Marcos as national security adviser in 2023. From 2018 to 2022, he led the Department of the Interior and Local Government under the Duterte administration, where he helped steer the controversial anti-insurgency campaign through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. In June 2025, the Palace announced Año would remain head of the National Security Council despite facing health issues and the administration’s Cabinet shake-up. In a statement, Año announced his permanent retirement from government service, effective April 16, 2026, “due to health reasons that require my full attention and care.” “Public service has been the defining mission of my life, and it has been my utmost privilege to have served the Filipino people in times of both challenge and opportunity,” Año said. “In recent months, it has become apparent that I must prioritize my health and well-being. To ensure continuity, stability and the highest standards of service in safeguarding our national security, I believe it is time to step aside and allow others to lead,” he added. Año said that “an orderly transition is under way,” and he was confident “critical operations and ongoing initiatives will continue.” “I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the trust and confidence he has placed in me,” he said. Año also cited the work of the AFP, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard, which have been central to recent patrols and resupply missions in contested waters. “Together we have faced complex threats and worked tirelessly to uphold the sovereignty, safety and well-being of our nation,” he said. Año said he remained confident in the strength and resilience of the country’s institutions and in the capable, steady leadership of Oban, “who will carry forward the mission of protecting our nation.” Castro said that Oban’s extensive background in military operations, defense planning and national security would ensure continuity in government efforts to safeguard the country. “The president is confident that Secretary Oban will provide steady and capable leadership in advancing the country’s national security priorities,” she said. Oban is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979 and previously served as AFP chief of staff, deputy chief of staff for plans (J5) and head of the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission. He served as AFP chief under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III from March 8, 2011 to Dec. 12, 2011. Before entering the PMA, Oban graduated from the University of Santo Tomas. He also obtained a master’s degree in business economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific, and was one of the top graduates of his PMA class. Oban helped negotiate for the surrender of Oakwood mutineers in 2003, when he was a colonel. He was among those chosen by the mutinous Magdalo rebel soldiers to be part of the government panel that negotiated with them for their return to barracks. A former instructor pilot, Oban hails from Sorsogon. He once served as special assistant to former trade minister Roberto Ongpin and former defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile under the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
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