national security adviser

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.

THE NATIONAL Security Council clarified on Monday that two individuals linked to a shooting incident in Sydney, Australia, did not undergo any terrorist training during their recent stay in the Philippines.

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo M. Año confirmed the Philippine government is currently investigating the travel history of Sajid Akram, an Indian passport holder, and his son Naveed, who holds an Australian passport.

The two traveled through Manila to Davao City between Nov. 1 and Nov. 28, 2025.

“There is no valid report or confirmation that the two received any form of military training while in the country,” Año said in an official statement.

He noted that a mere visit does not support allegations of extremism and that the duration of their stay would not have allowed for any “meaningful or structured training.”

In a message to the TIMES on Monday afternoon, Dec. 22, Año added that authorities are still investigating the specific activities of the duo in the city.

“Maybe they are waiting for someone who did not come. But they did not undergo any training in Mindanao and they did not meet any local terrorist personality,” Año told the TIMES.

Mindanao no longer a ‘hotspot’

The NSC chief also took the opportunity to push back against media reports labeling Mindanao as a hotspot for violent extremism or Islamic State ideology, calling such descriptions “outdated and misleading.”

According to Año, Philippine security forces have significantly degraded ISIS-affiliated groups since the 2017 Marawi Siege. He emphasized that these groups are now fragmented, leaderless, and operationally weakened.

“There have been no recorded terrorist training activities or significant operations by these ISIS-affiliated groups since 2017,” the statement read, citing assessments from both the United Nations and the U.S. government.

Intelligence coordination: The Philippine government is currently coordinating with Australian counterparts to share information and intelligence and determine the exact purpose of the suspects’ visit.

Año attributed the improved security environment in the south to sustained military operations and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which has granted the region political autonomy and development funds t

The NSC reiterated its commitment to ensuring Philippine territory is not used for terrorism purposes, maintaining a “vigilant, intelligence-driven” counterterrorism program.

NSA chief Año steps down after 47 years of government service

Sydney shooting suspects might have been waiting for someone in Davao: NSC