MANILA, Philippines — Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has challenged newly appointed National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año to lay out his security plans to protect the West Philippine Sea from foreign aggressors, especially China.
In a statement issued yesterday, Pamalakaya reminded Año that among the mandates of the NSA is “to ensure that the national interests, well-being of the people and institutions, and its sovereignty and territorial integrity are protected and enhanced.”
“We challenge Año to immediately lay out his security plans for our maritime territory amid the prevailing threats from China on our Filipino fishers. He should focus on crafting strategic policies of the Marcos administration to protect our national sovereignty,” Pamalakaya national spokesman Ronnel Arambulo said in Filipino.
Arambulo said Pamalakaya will be vigilant on Año to ensure that he will perform his mandate of protecting national security, especially in the West Philippine Sea, parts of which remain occupied by military forces of China.
“The presence of Chinese militia (in the West Philippine Sea) is the current biggest threat to our national security, the newly appointed NSA should prioritize this issue,” Arambulo said.
Pamalakaya also noted multiple complaints against Año in connection with supposed human rights abuses when he was an active member of the military as well as red-tagging of various progressive groups when he was secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“Thus, we will not allow Año to use his new position in the government against human rights defenders and advocates of national sovereignty,” Arambulo said in Filipino.
Meanwhile, rights advocate group Karapatan has slammed the appointment of Año, saying the latter’s track record “screams of human rights violations across administrations.”
“We deplore his appointment, as we cry for justice for thousands of victims killed, massacred, abducted and disappeared, and communities terrorized by state security forces under Año’s command,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.
“Throughout key positions in the military and government, Año carried with him the brutal mindset of a militarist and mercenary aimed at annihilating government critics, activists, and alleged dissenters,” Palabay added.
Año replaced professor Clarita Carlos, who is moving to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department.
In a separate statement, activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan also questioned Marcos’ appointment of Año and other military generals involved in the infamous drug war during the Duterte administration.
“The Duterte generals are back in high positions with the DND and the NSA. Is this Marcos’ way to appease the rumblings in the military? Is this an effort to consolidate the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) by satisfying the demands of right-wing groups for the continuation of endless wars that have resulted in widespread human rights violations over the past six years?” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said.
“The recent appointments raise serious concerns on the future of human rights in the Philippines given the track record of these generals under the Duterte regime,” Reyes added.
Galvez lauds Año appointment
Department of National Defence Secretary Carlito Galvez yesterday lauded Año’s appointment as Marcos’ new NSA.
Galvez said Año “will undoubtedly render his decisive, informed and pragmatic guidance to address our country’s various security concerns.”
“The DND is looking forward to working closely with Secretary Eduardo Año in his capacity as National Security Adviser,” Galvez added.
“The entire One Defense Team congratulates Secretary Año on his appointment,” Galvez, a former AFP chief himself, said in a statement.
“We also thank former NSA secretary Clarita Carlos for her service in the executive branch and wish her the best in her new role at the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the House of Representatives,” he added.
Carlos resigned days after disclosing to “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News that she had not been informed about the replacement of Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro with Gen. Andres Centino as AFP chief of staff. – Michael Punongbayan, Artemio Dumlao