A MOTHER’S GRIEF The police took a lot of criticisms at the funeral of Baby River in October 2020
after they refused to remove the handcuffs of her mother, detained activist ReinaMae Nasino
(in PPE suit), depriving her of a chance to embrace her child for the last time. (Photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)
MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has urged the courts to grant petitions for humanitarian considerations in the future.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas made this statement after activist Reina Mae Nasino was acquitted of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Nasino had been denied temporary liberty when her infant daughter became ill.
The three-month-old baby eventually died from pneumonia in October 2020.
In a statement on Friday, Brosas said although the court’s declaration that Nasino was innocent is a welcome development, the detainee remained wronged.
The legislator explained that Nasino fairness had not been done since she refused by the court to take care of her child in custody.
“The acquittal of Reina Mae Nasino and her companions is a victory for justice and the recognition of their innocence. It is a testament to the flawed and baseless charges brought against them,” Brosas said.
“It is important to note that Nasino’s legal victory comes after years of unjust detention, and tragically, after the passing of her daughter, Baby River, in 2020,” the lawmaker recalled.
“The tragic circumstances surrounding Nasino’s time in detention, particularly the loss of her daughter, Baby River, have exposed the urgent need for the courts to consider humanitarian considerations in cases involving vulnerable individuals,” Brosas pleaded to the judiciary.
On Thursday, a Manila court dismissed a case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Nasino and two others due to insufficiency of evidence.
The three were arrested in Tondo, Manila in November 2019, after police had supposedly seized from them firearms, ammunition and grenades.
Police had accused the three of supporting the communist armed group New People’s Army.
However, Manila RTC Branch 47 Presiding Judge John Benedict Medina cited the conflicting testimonies of witnesses as the reason for junking the complaints.
The witnesses were two police officers and a barangay chairperson.
Nasino was unaware that she was pregnant when she was arrested.
She had given birth while in prison.
She had asked the court to be allowed to stay with her newborn baby, but her request was denied.
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