Hontiveros calls for independent probe on death of Anakpawis head


Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a separate probe on the murder of Anakpawis chairman Randall “Randy” Echanis.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)

“There should be an independent investigation led by the CHR with the full cooperation of the PNP (Philippine National Police),” Hontiveros said in her Twitter post.

“Dapat may managot (someone should be held accountable). There can be no peace without justice,” the senator added.

Echanis, a political consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), was reportedly stabbed to death inside his home in Novaliches early Monday morning.

However, some policemen from La Loma PNP allegedly “forcibly” took the cadaver later that night.

Hontiveros deplored the act: “Ano ngayon ang terorismo?”

Hontiveros said she worked with Echanis on the peace panels as a representative for the government while he represented the NDF.

Echanis was also known for helping craft the Genuine Agrarian Reform Act.

“Such a gentle person, while a fighter. Nakakaiyak, nakakagalit. This is cold-blooded murder,” she stressed.