Lorenzana welcomes Año’s appointment as DILG OIC

FILE: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed the appointment of former Armed Forces chief-of-staff Eduardo Año as officer-in-charge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), saying he believes the military official would bring his dedication and professionalism to the agency.

“I congratulate Ed Año on his designation as OIC DILG. I am sure that with his dedication to duty, professionalism and experience in the military, he will succeed as the head of DILG,” Lorenzana said.

Año, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, retired last Oct. 26 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to his retirement as Armed Forces chief, the military successfully liberated Marawi City from the hands of the Maute Group terrorists who controlled the area for five months.

During Año’s retirement ceremony, President Rodrigo Duterte named him as DILG’s incoming chief.

“I am sure we will have an excellent work(ing relationship). It would have been better if he is now full-time Secretary but the law does not allow it until after one year from retirement date,” Lorenzana added.

Año’s appointment as DILG officer-in-charge was signed by Duterte on January 4.