Palace awaits BJMP explanation on death of Andrea Rosal’s baby

Saying it sympathizes with suspected communist leader Andrea Rosal, Malacañang on Tuesday said it is awaiting the explanation of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on the conditions that led to the death of her baby.

 

"Nakikiramay kami sa pamilya Rosal at inaantabayanan namin ang pagtanggap ng komprehensibong ulat ng [BJMP] hinggil sa conditions ng detention ni Andrea Rosal at ng Philippine General Hospital hinggil sa pagpanaw ng bagong silang niyang sanggol," Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said at a press briefing.

 

Militant rights group Karapatan earlier claimed that Rosal did not get any medical attention from jail authorities while she was being detained at Camp Bagong Diwa. It added that BJMP had "unreasonably delayed" her transfer to the PGH.

 

The group also said Rosal's daughter, Diona Andrea, suffered from hypoxemia or oxygen deficiency in the blood after she was born.

 

Coloma, however, said there is a need to find out all the facts.

 

"Mahalagang malaman ang mga relevant facts sa kabuuan nito, ano, para maunawaan natin yung mga pangyayari," he said.

 

He likewise said the government is ready for any possible retaliatory attacks from the communist groups.

 

"Handa ang ating Sandatahang Lakas at mga law enforcement authorities na tumugon sa ganyang mga pangyayari," he said.

 

Rosal was arrested in Caloocan City on March 27. She was already eight months pregnant at the time of the arrest.

 

The military said Rosal was arrested on warrants for kidnapping and murder, charges she has denied. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News