Daughter of slain peace consultant arrested with newborn son in Cagayan

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 2) - The daughter of slain peace consultant Randy Echanis was arrested along with her one-month-old son on early Wednesday at Brgy. Carupian at Baggao, Cagayan.

The arrest was confirmed both by the Anakpawis Party-list and the Police Regional Office 2.

Amanda Lacaba Echanis was charged with illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions, and explosives.

Anakpawis said the arrest was “illegal” and coincided with the raid of the house of Anakpawis Cagayan Valley chairperson Isabelo Adviento in the same municipality.

"We assert that Echanis was arrested on planted evidence," said the party-list in a statement. "She just gave birth to her first child. We call on her immediate and unconditional release on just, humanitarian grounds."

Police said they were able to recover an M16 rifle, ammunitions, and two hand grenades during the arrest of Echanis.

It added that she was brought to a health service center before being placed under the custody of PRO-2's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

The Echanis patriarch, who was also an Anakpawis chairperson, was killed in his home in August.