Statement on the killing of Ka Randy Echanis

Peace will never be ours if our government treats the very individuals and groups who are pushing for peace as enemies. Order and security can never be achieved if the law enforcers themselves reject the right to life, and refuse to show respect to the families left by the dead.

On August 10, 2020, Randall “ka Randy” Echanis and his neighbor Louie Tagapia were slain in an incident of extra-judicial killing (EJK). A veteran activist in the field of agrarian reform, Ka Randy was reportedly found with multiple stab and gunshot wounds.

The violence continued even after his death. As his family was preparing for his wake, some members of the Quezon City Police District forcibly took his body, alleging that the family’s claim of ka Randy’s body was illegal. Paralegal Pao Colabres, who tried to negotiate with the police, was moreover arrested and charged.

These acts by the QCPD are inhumane, disrespectful, and indecent. The gross treatment of ka Randy’s family by the police has no moral or legal basis, and markedly goes against the Filipino culture.

We are one in the call for justice for Ka Randy and Louie Tagapia.

We specifically demand the following:

(i) Transparent, fair, and immediate investigation of the case by the Department of Justice (DOJ)
(ii) Appropriate disciplinary action to the members of QCPD involved in the “snatching” of Ka Randy’s body
(iii) Immediate return of Ka Randy’s remains to his family
(iv) Release of paralegal Pao Colabres

This type of abuse experienced by ka Randy and his family is by no means new. Thousands of Filipinos have fallen victim to EJK, and justice still evades them and the loved ones they left behind.

In this time of grief and mourning, we must be more unyielding in our fight against injustice. Let us continue to act and stand up for the rights of every Filipino.

#JusticeForRandyEchanis
#StopTheAttacks
#HandsOffActivists
#JunkTerrorLaw