AFP: Año to remain focus on Marawi conflict amid pending retirement

 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año will remain focus on the situation in Marawi City and other major concerns of the military until his last day in office, a spokesman said Sunday.

AFP public affairs office chief Edgar Arevalo, in a statement, assured the public that Año will remain focused on ensuring peace and order in the country amid atrocities in Marawi City and other areas.

"At this time, his date of compulsory retirement drawing near notwithstanding, 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 NPAs (New People's Army)," said Arevalo.

"His undivided attention is on the AFP's support to recovery and rehabilitation efforts of government; and its concerted efforts with other agencies of government, local governments and the residents therein in ensuring that there will be no spill-over of the rebellion from Marawi to other parts of the country," Arevalo added.

Año is set to retire on Oct. 26, 2017.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Año as chief of staff replacing retired general Ricardo Visaya. Visaya and Año belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983.

Duterte had earlier said that he would like to appoint Año as secretary of the Interior and Local Government.

The president, however, said that Año could not be appointed to the post right after retirement and because he is from the military.

Duterte said he may instead appoint Año as a senior aide under the Office of the President.