Various groups have called for the immediate release of peasant organizer and activist Amanda Echanis who was arrested by authorities in a raid in Baggao, Cagayan for humanitarian reasons.
In an online press conference by Anakpawis, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Amihan, and Kaparatan, Anakpawis Cagayan Valley chairman Isabelo “Buteng” Adviento condemned the arrest of Echanis and said he was a target of the government’s red tagging and crackdown.
Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay called for the release of Echanis, who, she said, “was the youngest political prisoner when her parents were arrested in the 90s.”
She also described Amanda as a “good child” who does not deserve to be treated as such.
Linda, Amanda’s mother and wife of peasant leader and activist Randall Echanis, who was killed last August in Quezon City, lamented her daughter’s arrest. She appealed for compassion from the authorities by releasing her daughter along with her newborn grandson.
Atty. Maria Sol Taule of Karapatan lamented the arrest of Echanis and appealed to the government to treat activists, particularly women and children, well.
“Ano ba ang contempt ng government na ito sa mga babae? Sa mga ina? Sa mga sanggol?” she said as she assured help for Echanis in facing the allegations against her.
Amanda, 34, was with her one-month-old son when she was arrested in Barangay Carupian.
Amanda yielded an M16 rifle and two grenades when police served the search warrant in her house.
She was charged with illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
The arrest of Echanis coincided with the raid on the house of Adviento.
Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Debold Sinas said that Amanda was involved in an “underground communist movement” and that a search warrant was issued prior to her arrest.
Danilo Ramos of KMP belied Sinas’ claims and maintained that the supposed evidence found against Echanis was planted. He is also calling for her release and of other political prisoners.