National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant and peasant activist Randall “Randy” Echanis was found dead in his home in Quezon City, Anakpawis Partylist confirmed on Monday.
Anakpawis said that the 72-year-old peace consultant was killed in his rented apartment along with an unidentified neighbor.
The initial report said that he was shot; however, Anakpawis stated that Echanis died due to stab wounds. The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said that Echanis was stabbed by five suspects.
Former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao said that Echanis was unarmed when “police forces raided his house”. He also said that the late consultant was undergoing medical treatment.
“Our anger is beyond words. This is a culture of extrajudicial killings with impunity under the Duterte regime,” Casilao said in a statement.
No police statement regarding the incident has been released as of writing.
“This is a declaratory act that national leaders of legal-democratic movement are now targeted to be killed by the Duterte regime,” Casilao added.
Aside from being a peace consultant, Echanis is also known for leading causes for agrarian reform. He was involved in the peace talks with the Duterte administration from 2016 to 2017.
Randall “Randy” Echanis, 72. Peasant leader and Anakpawis chair. Peace talks consultant of the NDFP.
He was a political prisoner under the Marcos dictatorship. Post-Marcos regimes also jailed him.
He was gunned down today in his home in Novaliches. pic.twitter.com/MM59anA2wI
— Tonyo Cruz (@tonyocruz) August 10, 2020
Leftist groups condemned the alleged killing of Echanis, linking it to the passage of the anti-terrorism law, which became controversial due to the rising concerns that the law may target those who criticize the administration, especially the activists.
“This happened even as the new terror law is now in effect. With extrajudicial killings still rampant, a reign of terror would truly ensue with its full implementation,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.
Edre Olalia, NDFP Negotiating Panel legal consultant and National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) president called it a “cold-blooded murder” and said that it is “almost conclusory that the ruthless dark forces have struck again.”
“How then can we encourage people to openly and effectively engage in legitimate causes and advocacies for social and economic reforms if you treacherously silence them?” Olalia added.