Anakpawis chairman not killed, says QC police director

August 10, 2020

Contrary to the claims of militant groups, the director of Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Monday insisted that it was not Randall Echanis, chairman of Anakpawis partylist group, who was killed in the city early morning.

In a press briefing, Brig. General Ronnie Montejo said based on the identification cards recovered by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), the names written were  Manuel Santiago and Louie Tagapia.

“Based on the owner of the apartment, that is also the name used by the victim… So right now, unless otherwise there is proof that he is the one they (militant group) are mentioning, we will stick on our information that he ( Echanis) is Manuel Santiago,” Montejo said.

He added that relatives of the victim communicated with the authorities.

 Montejo asked militant groups to show proof that police officers entered the house and killed the victims.

“I asked them to be careful in accusing anyone without evidence,” Montejo said.

Montejo said he doesn't know Echanis and whether he is included in their watchlist or not.

“I just heard his name now,” he said.

Initial report from the QCPD said the incident transpired around 1:35 am in Barangay Nova Proper, Novaliches where five unidentified suspects entered the house of the victims.

A witness said he was inside his rented room when he heard loud noises at the second floor of their apartment. This prompted him to immediately inform the owner who reported the incident to the barangay officials.

Montejo said they found a tattoo at Tagapia showing he is an alleged member of the Sputnik Gang which could possibly be related to the incident.

He said the QCPD is conducting an investigation to establish the motive for the killing of the victims.

Montejo is also urging anyone who can give any relevant information to report to the nearest police station so the case can be resolved.

“We are very much welcome to work with anyone,” Montejo said. “We hope they can go to the office of CIDU and bring specimens so that we can be sure.” Ella Dionisio/DMS