MANILA — Despite his looming retirement from the military on Oct. 26, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año remains committed in clearing Marawi City of the Maute Group remnants and protecting the nation from other lawless elements.
“The AFP chief remains focused on the ongoing operations. Not only in Marawi, in Sulu, or Basilan; but also in other parts of the country where operations are ongoing to protect the people from enemies of peace, security, and development like the terrorist NPA (New People’s Army),” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said late Sunday.
Military officials are required to retire upon reaching the age of 56.
He added Año’s undivided attention is on the AFP’s support to recovery and rehabilitation efforts of government in Marawi City once the fighting is over.
This initiative is in connection with efforts of other agencies of government, local governments.
Arevalo said part of the AFP effort is ensuring that there will be no spillover of the rebellion from Marawi to other parts of the country.
Año, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, earlier said that he has recommended a minimum of three ranking military officials to replace him.
But it is up to President Rodrigo Duterte to decide who will be the next AFP Chief of Staff, he added. (PNA)