Palace to DSWD: Ensure welfare of arrested peasant organizer’s child

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure the welfare of a peasant organizer Amanda Echanis’ one-year-old child following her arrest in Cagayan.

“I’m calling on the DSWD to take steps to ensure that the welfare of the child will be protected,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an online briefing.

The Palace official was sought to comment on reports that Amanda was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal possession of explosives along with her one-year-old child.

“Hindi po kasi dahilan ‘yun na palibhasa may anak ka, hindi ka makukulong at hindi ka masusubject sa proseso. But it is always the rule that government will take steps for the best interest of the child,” Roque said.

(It is not a reason that if you have a child, you won’t be jailed and you won’t be subjected to the process. But it is always the rule that the government will take steps for the best interest of the child.)

Cagayan police made it clear that the child was not “arrested” along with Amanda and was in fact, given due care.

Amanda is daughter of Randall Echanis, National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant, who was killed inside his apartment in Quezon City in August.

JPV