Cagayan court grants release of peasant advocate Amanda EchanisThis photo posted by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas shows Amanda Echanis and her baby. MANILA, Philippines — A Cagayan court has ordered the release of peasant advocate Amanda Echanis. The Tuguegarao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 granted her release after she spent five years in detention following her 2020 arrest. In acquitting Echanis, the court found that the police failed to comply with the "hierarchy of witnesses" rule under the Rules of Court. "The acquittal of Amanda Echanis is a resounding indictment of the military and police's campaign of political repression and fabrication of charges and evidence," Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay said.

Source: Philippine Star January 14, 2026 07:58 UTC