Palace on Echanis’ death: Wait for probe results first, avoid wild conclusions

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said it would wait for the results of the investigation before making conclusions on the death of National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant Randall “Randy” Echanis.

“Let’s wait for results of the police investigation before pinning death of Anakpawis party-list national chairperson Randall ‘Randy’ Echanis on anyone,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a message to reporters when sought for comment on claims that state forces were behind Echanis’ killing.

Echanis was killed inside his house in Novaliches, Quezon City, former Anakpawis congressman Ariel Casilao said.

Casilao said Echanis was undergoing medical treatment and unarmed “when police forces raided his house.”

The Quezon City Police District already confirmed Echanis’ death but it has yet to release an official report of the incident.[ac]