Mural placed for baby River, assassinated NDFP consultant Randy Echanis

Photo by Bayan Muna

MANILA, Philippines – A mural dedicated to baby River, the late newborn daughter of political prisoner Reina Mae Nasino, and former peace consultant Randall Echanis was unveiled near the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines (UP) on Wednesday.

The mural, installed in the Katipunan-Balara area, features images of River and Echanis, and farmers working to commemorate the Philippine Peasant Month.

Various progressive groups, some of which were also present during the earlier protest movement at Mendiola in Manila, also attended the event. Some legislators from the Makabayan bloc, including Bayan Muna representative Eufemia Cullamat and Kabataan representative Sarah Elago, also offered candles and flowers before the mural.

Echanis, a former consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, was found dead in his rented home in Novaliches, Quezon City on August 10. A controversy soon erupted, with activists blaming state forces, while police officers claimed the body did not belong to Echanis.

Kabataan Party List Photo

Baby River, on the other hand, recently died due to acute respiratory complications. Activists believe the baby would not have died if the court had allowed Nasino, arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosive beatings, to be nearby to care for his son.

Photo by Bayan Muna

The Nasino camp had requested the temporary release of the activist so that she could take care of River, who was born while Nasino was still in detention, but the court denied this. Instead, River parted ways with Nasino.

The problems also arose after River’s death was marred by police officers who allegedly interfered with family preferences by burying the boy, with the hearse speeding away and leaving mourners behind. [ac]

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