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Duterte won't intervene in Echanis' case probe - Palace
Published Aug 12, 2020 4:03:29 PM
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12)— It would be difficult for President Rodrigo Duterte to intervene in the ongoing investigation into the killing of National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant Randall "Randy" Echanis, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Speaking to CNN Philippines, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte will allow the probe process to continue, given that Justice Department will also be tackling the case.
"On matters where there are police investigations or criminal investigations being conducted, it's very difficult for anyone including the President to interfere," Roque said in an interview with The Source.
"But I think the President as a lawyer will allow investigators to proceed unhampered," he added.
Echanis' wife, Erlinda, earlier appealed to the President to intervene in the case, following the cloud of confusion on the identity of the person killed in a Novaliches, Quezon City home on Monday.
The wife positively identified the remains as that of the activist. Anakpawis partylist, which Echanis headed, also confirmed his identity-- even posting a photo of the cadaver to prove it.
However, the Quezon City Police District later on identified the body as a certain "Manuel Santiago," based on the identification card found with the remains.
Roque, for his part, said authorities can tap modern technology to ensure that the true identity of the slain individual comes out.
Aside from the police, the Justice Department's task force on extrajudicial killings was also directed to look into the case. The probe will roll out once the identity issue is resolved, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said.
Echanis' wife meanwhile continued to plea for the return of her husband's remains, and expressed hope that justice will be served soon.
"Hinihiling din namin na mabigyan siya ng hustisya. Isang panawagan sa mamamayan na ituloy natin ang pakikibaka at adbokasiya ni kasamangRandy. Ipaglaban natin ang tunay na kalayaan at demokrasya," Echanis said in an interview with reporters.
[Translation: We're requesting that justice be served. This is a call for our countrymen to continue on with Randy's advocacies. Let's fight for the real freedom and democracy.]
Echanis, a known peasant leader and activist, was a third nominee of Anakpawis during the 2010 partylist elections.
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