For compassionate reasons and humanitarian grounds
Nancy asks BJMP, court to allow temporary release of Reina Nasino after her sick baby dies

Senator Nancy Binay once again called for greater compassion from jail authorities and prosecutors to grant Reina Nasino, a political detainee, a temporary release from detention and allow her to visit the remains of her 3-month old baby.

"Muli, nananawagan po tayo na sana ay pansamantalang palayain si Reina para makasama niya ang kanyang anak sa huling pagkakataon," Binay said.

On September 24, Nasino's baby River was brought to the Manila Medical Center due to diarrhea and fever and was later confirmed to have pneumonia.

Baby River later died on October 9 as her lungs succumbed to bacterial infection at the ICU of the Philippine General Hospital.

Binay had earlier asked jail authorities to temporarily release Nasino so that she can properly nurse her baby.

"Ang pinaglalaban po natin is to have a legal basis under existing laws for courts to provide alternative modes of confinement for women detainees for humanitarian and compassionate reasons," Binay said.

Binay has been very vocal in her advocacy in putting in place compassionate programs--especially for pregnant women and parents who are in jail.

Since 2014, Binay has filed and re-filed several Senate bills and resolutions for alternative ways of confinement based on humanitarian grounds, and has sought for the review of existing standards for the health care needs of pregnant inmates in order to meet the special needs of women and nursing mothers in jails.

Last Congress, the senator filed Senate Bill 1886, or "An Act Creating Programs for Incarcerated Parents and their Children" which aims to help incarcerated parents develop and maintain their relationship with their children.

"We must also review whether the existing policies and protocols of the BJMP regarding women detainees, especially their access to medical care and facilities, are still relevant with the new normal," Binay said.

Nasino is one of the three human rights activists who were arrested in Manila in November 2019 and is currently facing charges of illegal possession of firearms.

She gave birth to her baby River on July 1 at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, 8 months after her arrest.