UN body calls for probe on slayings of Philippine activists Echanis and Alvarez

Peace consultant Randall 'Randy' Echanis (left) and rights defender Zara Alvarez, who were murdered just days apart. - PDI/ANN

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN): The United Nations Human Rights Office has urged the government to hold “independent, thorough and transparent investigations” into the killings of peace consultant Randall 'Randy' Echanis and rights defender Zara Alvarez, who were murdered just days apart.

“The UN Human Rights Office stresses the need for independent, thorough and transparent investigations into the killings and for those responsible to be held to account, ” said Liz Throssell, spokesperson for UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, in a statement.