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Plight of peasant leader, son concerns Leila

Philippines | National

Plight of peasant leader, son concerns Leila

By Mario Casayuran

Opposition Sen. Leila M. de Lima has expressed concern over the plight of detained peasant community organizer Amanda Echanis and her month-old son who is in detention with her.

(Photo courtesy of Free Amanda Echanis Network)

De Lima said she fears for the safety of Echanis and her son, calling to mind the fate of baby River Nasino who died shortly after being separated from her detained mother Reina Mae.

“With this government’s already dismal record of suppressing human rights, one cannot but fear for the safety of Amanda Echanis and her newborn,” De Lima said in a statement released from her Camp Crame (Quezon City) detention cell.

“Having witnessed the fate of Reina Nasino and Baby River, we are deeply concerned for the safety and welfare of Amanda and her baby, as well as the plight of other similarly situated mothers and their children,” she added.

De Lima said the reputation of the current government in treating its perceived critics made her worry if Echanis and her son will be treated justly in prison.

“The situation of women human rights defenders under Duterte’s rule seems to have taken a turn for the worse as they increasingly become open targets of violations by State forces,” she said.

Amanda was arrested in Baggao, Cagayan for illegal possession of firearms and explosives last Dec. 2. Echanis was taken into custody with her son.
Echanis is the daughter of slain peasant leader Randall Echanis.

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