Secretary Eduardo Año appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to clarify his role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He denied any involvement in the planning or execution of the arrest and firmly rejected claims of being part of a “core group” allegedly responsible for it.
Sec. Año emphasized that his mandate as National Security Adviser was limited to ensuring the situation did not escalate into a national security concern. He stressed that the implementation of the ICC warrant was beyond his mandate. He also clarified that he only learned about the INTERPOL Red Notice and the serving of the ICC warrant on the morning of March 11, 2025.
He underscored that there was no intelligence operation involved and the former president’s movements were publicly known. Año called it unfair and unacceptable that his name was being dragged into allegations of a “grand conspiracy,” reiterating that the events of March 11 were spontaneous.
Sec. Año defended his honor and integrity, stating he was merely fulfilling his duty based on the truth, justice, and the rule of law. He reaffirmed that his loyalty remains with the country and the Constitution, not to any individual or political agenda.
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