August 11, 2020
For Immediate Release
Reference: Irma Shauf-Bajar, Chairperson, GABRIELA USA
JUSTICE FOR KA RANDY ECHANIS!
GABRIELA USA denounces the extrajudicial killing of Randy Echanis, 72, an elderly peasant activist and NDFP Peace Consultant. Ka Randy was murdered in his home on August 10th. The Duterte Regime has continued to show complete disregard and callousness towards the life and legacy of Ka Randy by confiscating his remains in the dead of the night and depriving his family of peace and the right to mourn. We condemn this brutal attack on human rights defenders. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and commit to the continual fight for justice for Ka Randy.
The life of Ka Randy was in full service to the people. As a long-time consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), Ka Randy was also a member of the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms. He actively participated during the 2016-2017 peace talks with the Duterte administration that tackled Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER).
He was also the Deputy Secretary General of militant peasant organization, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. He spearheaded nationwide campaigns for genuine agrarian reform including free land distribution to Filipino farmers.He was instrumental in the crafting the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB).
Despite a global pandemic, state-sponsored death squads continue to target activists and human rights defenders, like Echanis. As Duterte’s Terror Law will continue to serve as a death order for activists, GABRIELA USA will continue to fight for justice for Echanis and other victims of state-sponsored violence!
JUSTICE FOR KA RANDY ECHANIS!
