Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano has resigned due to health reasons, a Palace official said on Wednesday, and will be replaced by former military chief Eduardo Oban.
“The President has accepted the resignation of National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano. Secretary Ano has decided to retire from public service after decades of continuous service in government and the military,” communications undersecretary Claire Castro told a briefing.
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The resignation comes during a sustained period of tension between Manila and Beijing, with each accusing the other of provoking maritime run-ins in the South China Sea.
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Ano said he needed to prioritize his health. In 2021, he revealed he had undergone multiple heart surgeries.
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Ano led the Philippines’ “transparency initiative” which highlighted what Manila said was China’s aggressive actions against Filipino coast guard personnel and fishermen.
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Ano had a long career in the military, including as chief of staff at the height of the Marawi siege in 2017.
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Ano was among the most vocal critics of Beijing in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s government.
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Oban briefly served as military chief under former President Benigno Aquino.
