Sinas: Evidence vs. Amanda Echanis not planted, says she is part of underground movement

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas on Thursday said the high-powered firearms allegedly seized from Amanda Lacaba Echanis during her arrest were not planted.

"'Yung mga sinabi pong planted ay hindi po totoo 'yun... paano ka mag-plant ng mga baril na 'to, mga bago, mga high caliber... mahirap po mag-plant noon, bahay niya 'yun eh," Sinas said in an ANC interview.

Sinas insisted that Echanis as well as her husband are part of the underground movement.

"Hindi po totoong wala 'yan sa underground. Ang asawa niya ay lider po ng armado, sa NPA sa Cagayan Valley... Kaya nga may mga armas 'yan eh. 'Yung asawa niya nasa underground," Sinas said.

Echanis, daughter of slain Anakpawis chairman Randall "Ka Randy" Echanis, was arrested in Barangay Carupian in Baggao, Cagayan following the implementation of a search warrant issued by Judge Sheila Gacutan-Labuguen of the MTC 2nd Judicial Region dated November 27, 2020.

Anakpawis said Echanis was charged with illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, but the group insisted that the weapons were all planted.

Police have noted that during Amanda's arrest, she insisted on bringing her one-month-old baby.

At present, Echanis and her baby are staying in the regional office of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Authorities are coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development as regards the arrangement with the baby. — RSJ, GMA News