Activist cleared of gun raps

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January 15, 2026 | 12:00am

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan , Philippines — A trial court in this city has cleared activist Amanda Socorro Echanis of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed by police in 2020.

In a ruling issued on Dec. 27, 2025, but obtained by journalists only yesterday, the Tuguegarao Regional Trial Court said that prosecutors failed to prove Echanis’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The court said that police committed serious mistakes when they searched Echanis’ rented room in Barangay Caruppian in Baggao town where a rifle, ammunition and grenades were found.

Echanis denied owning the rifle, ammunition and grenades, saying these were planted.

In ordering Echanis’ release from detention, the court said there was no proof showing the accused owned the items.