On the appointment of Eduardo Año as National Security Adviser

The appointment of former DILG Sec. Eduardo Año as the National Security Adviser (NSA) will likely continue the red-tagging spree and wanton violation of human rights perpetrated by the NTF-ELCAC.

KMP notes that immediate past NSA Clarita Carlos has vocally disapproved and called unproductive the red-tagging against government critics and activists. Año’s stance will be different as he will likely pick up from where he left off during Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

KMP said this rash appointment of Año as the national security adviser could still be related to the shake-up within the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of National Defense that led to controversies over resignations and changes of leadership within the bureaucracy in the past few days.

“Loyalty checks are ongoing, and Marcos Jr. conceded to bring back the loyal minions of Gloria Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte. “Marcos Jr, as the President and Commander-In-Chief, will have to be accountable for all the policies and actions of Año from now on going forward.”

“It was during Año’s term at the DILG that cases of trumped-up charges against activists as well as forced and fake surrenders escalated. We call on all human rights defenders to be more vigilant in safeguarding and asserting our rights.”