Fingerprints, DNA tests needed to prove Echanis’ killing — cops

MANILA, Philippines — Police on Tuesday said it needs to conduct fingerprinting and DNA tests to prove that it was indeed peasant leader and NDFP peace consultant Randall “Randy” Echanis who was killed inside his home in Novaliches, Quezon City.

“Regarding po diyan, kailangan po natin ng proof to prove na siya talaga si Echanis na sinasabi po nila,” Lt. Johnna Sazon, chief of Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Public Information Office, told ANC when asked if the police positively identified that it was Echanis who was stabbed to death inside his apartment.

(Regarding that, we need proof to prove that he is Echanis.)

“We are appealing kung sinoman ang relative na makipagtulungan po sa CIDU (Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit) for possible identification kung siya talaga si Echanis o Manuel Santiago like fingerprint or DNA test,” Sazon added.

(We are appealing to relatives to coordinate with CIDU for possible identification if he is really Echanis or Manuel Santiago like fingerprint or DNA test.)

On Monday morning, police found a body with four stab wounds inside an apartment in Novaliches, Quezon City.

QCPD identified the victim as Manuel Santiago after retrieving the company ID in the crime scene.

But Echanis’ wife, Erlinda, said she positively identified and claimed her husband’s body. Erlinda also claimed police officers took away her husband’s body from the funeral parlor where she transferred the corpse.

Asked if QCPD took Echanis’ body, Sazon said they are still verifying the reports.

“Regarding that, I don’t have any report yet I’ll ask CIDU on that,” she said.

EDV

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