‘Echanis daughter getting VIP treatment’

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Contrary to earlier reports, the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday that peasant activist Amanda Echanis is receiving VIP treatment while in detention.
    IAS inspector general Alfegar Triambulo debunked allegations by Echanis’ lawyer Luz Perez that intelligence agents tried to interrogate her in the absence of a counsel.
    “There is no truth to information that there is harassment being made on her person while being afforded all privileges like that of a VIP,” Triambulo told mdia in Manila.
    He said Echanis’ situation at the Cagayan Valley police office in Tuguegarao City could be considered a house arrest.
Echanis, daughter of slain National Democratic Front consultant Randall Echanis, was arrested last week after a raid on her house in Baggao, Cagayan reportedly yielded ammunition and explosives.
    Triambulo said Echanis is in an airconditioned room with her one-month-old baby.
    He said Echanis told probers that she and her son are well taken care of by the police.
    “Their daily food provisions together with her baby boy are promptly provided,” he added.
    Two police officers are securing Echanis around the clock.