Woman in Baggao alleged as Finance Officer of CPP-NPA in Cagayan arrested

Cagayan, Philippines – A 32-year-old woman alleged to be a Finance Officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army in Cagayan was arrested in Baggao on December 2 after the operatives found firearms, ammunitions, and explosives in a search warrant implementation.

According to Cagayan Provincial Information Office, the suspect is identified as Amanda Socorro Echanis, Finance Officer of West Front Committee of the Komiteng Probinsya ng Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.

Confiscated from her include a piece of M16 riffle, a piece of long plastic magazine for M16 rifle, a piece of long steel magazine for M16 rifle, 20 live ammunitions for M16 rifle, and 2 hand grenades.

The suspect was arrested along with her one-month old son.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a virtual briefing this December 3 said that they are calling upon the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure the welfare of the child and that he said Malacañang will ensure the infant will not suffer the same fate like the child of Reina Nasino, a jailed activist.

"Sana po hindi na maulit iyan, but we are calling upon the DSWD to take a step to ensure that the welfare of the child will be protected," he said.

"Hindi po kasi dahilan iyon na palibhasa may anak ka hindi ka makukulong at masa-subject sa proseso. But it is always the rule that government will take steps for the best interest of the child," he added.

The suspect is the daughter of Randall Echanis, a slain Anakpawis National Chairperson and NDFP Peace Consultant.

Meanwhile, in a statement this December 3, Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo said that the AFP is not going to recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte a ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group this holiday season.

"This was the AFP’s painful experience where the communist terrorist group reneged from their own ceasefire declaration by attacking and killing soldiers on humanitarian and peace and development missions," he said.

"During the incumbency of a truce, these terrorists continued their extortion activities and committed crimes of murder, arson, and the likes," he added.

However, he said, it is still the call of President Duterte on whether or not to declare a ceasefire.

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