PNP: Delay in releasing Echanis’ body to kin not due to his being NDFP consultant

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said that the delay in releasing Randall "Ka Randy" Echanis' remains to his bereaved family  was not because he was a peace consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

"Wala pong kinalaman ang sinasabing tug of war o delay sa pagiging NDF consultant niya o kaya chairman ng Anakpawis. Wala pong kinalaman," PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac told Super Radyo dzBB.

"Ang pangyayari ay bahagi lamang po ng criminal investigation procedure at 'yung ating pagtalima sa rules on evidence at 'yung legal proceedings," Banac added.

Echanis and another individual were found dead in a rented house in Novaliches, Quezon City on Monday.

His body was not immediately released to his family as police earlier identified him as one Manuel Santiago, based on the identification card found in the residence.

The landlady also identified the bodies as those of "Manuel Santiago" and Louie Tagapia.

Police were firm that a fingerprint test was needed to prove that the body was indeed Echanis despite his wife, Erlinda, identifying the cadaver as her husband.

On Wednesday afternoon, police finally acknowledged that the body was Echanis as indicated by a fingerprint test.

Earlier, Banac said the Quezon City Police District committed no violations in its identification process of the cadaver.

He also said an investigation into the deaths is ongoing. — BM, GMA News