Updated (6:56 p.m.)
President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Interior Undersecretary Wencelito Andanar as his special envoy to Malaysia, Malacañang announced on Monday.
The former Interior official, who happens to be the father of Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, will serve as special envoy for a term of six months.
His appointment was signed by President Duterte earlier this week, but the Palace released it only on Monday.
In a statement, Andanar said he was humbled by the opportunity to help forge stronger bonds between the Philippines and Malaysia.
“Hopefully, I can help forge stronger bonds between the Philippines and Malaysia as we endeavor to intensify bilateral cooperation to combat transnational crimes such as terrorism, piracy, and human trafficking,” Andanar said.
“Insha Allah, this will promote lasting peace and development in Mindanao,” the newly appointed special envoy added.
Wencelito Andanar had served at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
He had faced charges before the Sandiganbayan for alleged failure to declare a property in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) but was later acquitted after the Office of the Ombudsman withdrew the case.
READ: Andanar pa’s cleared
Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the withdrawal of the case because the property in Surigao City has been passed on to his five children. /ee