AFP proud with Año selection as next DILG head

This was the reaction of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after its chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año was announced by President Rodrigo Duterte as the next head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA–More than proud.

This was the reaction of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after its chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año was announced by President Rodrigo Duterte as the next head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“The AFP is elated to hear that the President has chosen a senior AFP officer in the person of Gen. Año as the next DILG secretary. We are honored by this announcement. Knowing how good a leader and officer Gen. Año is makes us confident that he will do our armed forces and our country proud once he assumes his new post,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

Duterte made the announcement during departure rites at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City before flying to Cambodia for the World Economic Forum on ASEAN.

As this develops, Año, while surprised with the Chief Executive’s announcement, said he will contribute the best as he can once he assume his new post.

“I will do my best to contribute but I was really surprised (with the announcement),” he added.

And although the AFP chief said he is aware of plans to be given a ranking government post upon his retirement this coming October, he did not anticipate it would be the DILG portfolio.

His assumption date is dependent on the President, Año added.

“That is dependent on Code 1 (President Duterte),” he disclosed.

But with this announcement, the AFP chief said he might have to retire early to prepare himself for his new job.