Like martyred Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., Randall “Ka Randy” Echanis, peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, was killed by a professional assassin, House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate.
Zarate said the independent autopsy report on the remains of Echanis has indicated that a stab wound that cut his aorta suggested that his killer or killers were professionals.
Zarate said that based on the autopsy findings, an “independent probe” into the killing of Echanis and his neighbor, Louie Tagapia, has become imperative.
"As things stand, it is imperative that an independent probe should be conducted both by local and international groups to hold those responsible accountable," he said.
The autopsy report was presented by forensic pathology expert Dr. Raquel Fortun during a virtual presentation on Friday.
"According to the report, Ka Randy was heavily tortured as shown by multiple lacerations, contusions, and hematoma on his head and back. But the killer blow was from a puncture wound that was precisely delivered to his aorta or the main artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body that immediately killed him,” Zarate said.
He added: “These are tell-tale signs of a crime perpetrated by people who are trained assassins.”
Fortun gave the presentation as the nation commemorated the death anniversary of Aquino, who was allegedly killed by a hired gunman at the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Fortun said there were indications that Echanis was not killed immediately.
“Mr. Echanis sustained one fatal injury. However, he had other injuries which were inflicted while he was still alive and you see the distribution at the back…” noted the forensic expert.
Fortun said there may have been two weapons used to stab the 72-year-old Echanis whose remains were laid to rest recently.
Based on Fortun’s explanations, Zarate surmised that “trained assassins” were apparently behind the murder.
"The wound was inflicted to his back just below the seventh rib and it did not even damage the left lung and was placed precisely where it would damage the aorta. This type of job is the work of trained assassins and their business is really to kill," the opposition lawmaker said..
"There is no doubt that Ka Randy's advocacies were the reasons why he was assassinated by undemocratic elements of our society. He and Ninoy were killed for their beliefs," he added.