NATIONAL Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo M. Año announced his permanent retirement effective April 16, 2026, citing the need to prioritize his health and well-being.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 15, the official confirmed he is stepping down as both the national security adviser and director general of the National Security Council (NSC).
Taking his place is retired General Eduardo Oban, Jr.
A lifetime of service
Año’s retirement marked the conclusion of a distinguished 47-year career in government. Before his tenure at the NSC, which began in January 2023, Año served as commanding general of the Philippine Army, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
He is widely recognized as a “legend” in the intelligence community for his roles in neutralizing high-value targets and leading the military during the 2017 Marawi Crisis.
“Public service has been the defining mission of my life,” Año said. “I have reached this difficult but necessary decision to ensure the highest standards of service in safeguarding our national security by allowing others to lead.”
The outgoing secretary expressed full confidence in his successor, noting that an orderly transition is already underway.
He emphasized that critical initiatives—particularly those involving the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)—will continue without disruption.
Tributes
The National Security Council issued a statement honoring Año for his “courage, discipline, and firm commitment.” Under his leadership, the NSC navigated complex regional maritime threats and internal security challenges.
“His steady leadership and devotion to safeguarding the nation have left a lasting mark on the Council and the country,” the NSC Strategic Communications office said.
While retiring from official duties, Año said his commitment to the country remains. “The call to serve does not end with leaving office but endures in every citizen committed to the common good,” he concluded.
Early Life and Education
Born on Oct. 26, 1961, in San Mateo, Rizal, he was a consistent top achiever, graduating as elementary valedictorian. He entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and graduated as cum laude with the Matikas Class of 1983.
In 1993, he topped the International Officer Intelligence Course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, USA, with a perfect score of 100%—a record that reportedly remains unchallenged.
As the chief of staff and martial law administrator in Mindanao, he oversaw the five-month operation to retake Marawi City from ISIS-inspired terrorists.
After retiring from the military in 2017, he was tapped for civilian service. As the secretary of the Interior and Local Government, he was a key figure in the “Boracay Rehabilitation” and the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In January 2023, he was appointed by President Marcos Jr. as the National Security Adviser (NSA), succeeding Clarita Carlos.
