Ambassador Manuel Tecson Yan Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace Process

Referred to as “The Soldier of Peace”. Ambassador Manuel Tecson Yan, Sr. was a distinguished Filipino military officer, diplomat, and public servant who dedicated over six decades of his life to serving his country. Ambassador Yan had a long and impactful career, marked by his significant contributions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), his diplomatic efforts, and his work in peace negotiations. Yan’s military career reached its peak when he became the Chief of Staff of the AFP in 1968, making him the youngest person to hold this position at the age of 48. However, he resigned in 1972 in protest against the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos.

Ambassador Manuel Yan held several key diplomatic positions. He served as the Philippine Ambassador to Thailand from 1972 to 1981 and to Indonesia from 1981 to 1986. During these years, he played a crucial role in strengthening the Philippines’ diplomatic relations with these neighboring nations. After his tenure in Southeast Asia, Yan continued his diplomatic career as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1987 to 1992. His diplomatic service reflected his ability to represent the Philippines on the global stage, fostering international cooperation and enhancing the country’s foreign relations.

Ambassador Yan also had a significant impact on Philippine foreign policy, serving briefly as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in 1987 under President Corazon Aquino’s administration. Although his time in this role was short, it underscored his expertise in international diplomacy. His leadership extended to efforts in peacebuilding, especially in relation to the ongoing insurgency issues in Mindanao. He was appointed as the Chairman of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Peace Panel from 1992 to 1994, leading negotiations with Moro rebel groups to end decades of armed conflict in the region.

In 1994 to 2001, Ambassador Yan took on the role of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, a position that allowed him to continue his work towards resolving the Moro conflict. One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in securing the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). This agreement solidified the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a critical step in addressing the aspirations of the Moro people and promoting peace in the southern Philippines.

Ambassador Yan earned widespread recognition for his unwavering commitment to public service. He served under the administration of Former President Fidel V. Ramos, and was honored for his contributions to the country in various fields and best remembered for being a peace builder whose main goal was to bring everybody to the negotiation table and talk peace. His legacy of people will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.