Año denies role in Duterte’s arrest, calls conspiracy claims ‘unfair’

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Año maintained that he acted in line with his duties, emphasizing his loyalty to the country and the Constitution rather than any individual. (File Photo: National Security Council of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Thursday denied any involvement in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, refuting claims that he was part of a supposed core group that orchestrated the operation.

Testifying before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Año called accusations linking him to a “grand conspiracy” as “unacceptable and unfair”, and firmly rejected any suggestion that he played a key role in Duterte’s arrest.

He said his role was strictly limited to his mandate – – ensuring the situation did not escalate into a national security concern, and emphasized that the implementation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant was beyond his jurisdiction.

“I had no part in the execution of the ICC warrant. My only concern was to assess the situation and ensure it did not pose a national security threat,” he told lawmakers.

The allegations against Año stemmed from reports that he was part of a core group – along with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. – who planned Duterte’s arrest.

The official said he only learned about the International Criminal Police Organization’s Red Notice and the impending implementation of the ICC warrant on the morning of March 11.

“There was no intelligence operation,” he said, noting that Duterte’s presence in Hong Kong and his return to the Philippines were public knowledge and widely reported in the media.

“In fact, the events of March 11 were spontaneous. As National Security Adviser, I was merely doing my job,” he said.

Año maintained that he acted in line with his duties, emphasizing his loyalty to the country and the Constitution rather than any individual.

“I face these accusations with firm resolve, knowing I upheld truth, justice and the rule of law,” he added.