Leftwing leader Echanis moved back to PNP custodial center
By Allison Lopez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:08:00 09/01/2008
Filed Under: Prison, Guerrilla activities, Crime
MANILA, Philippines—Leftwing leader Randall Echanis was moved back to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Quezon City from the Manila City Jail at 3:45 p.m. Monday after the Manila Regional Trial Court granted his motion for reconsideration.
The 60-year-old deputy secretary general of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines) challenged his transfer to the cramped MCJ on August 2 due to his poor health.
Echanis was accused, along with Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo and National Democratic Front's Luis Jalandoni, of ordering the execution of around 30 farmers in 1985, as part of supposed purging within the New People's Army in Southern Leyte.
Judge Thelma Bunyi Medina of Manila RTC Branch 32, who earlier granted the PNP's motion to move Echanis to the MCJ, reconsidered the request of the accused also due to a letter from former MCJ warden Emilio Culang that the militant leader was a "high-risk prisoner" who would be better protected at the PNP facility.
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