Palace respects security arrangement at Baby River’s wake, funeral

Malacañang on Monday said it respects the decision of the authorities regarding the security arrangement during the wake and funeral of the daughter of detained activist Reina Mae Nasino last week.

Nasino was allowed a few hours to visit her daughter River’s wake on October 14 —handcuffed and under heavy guard — a treatment that her lawyers said was "overkill." Her supporters also criticized the security measures during the funeral which Nasino attended last Friday.

“[T]he President does not micromanage. And in matters of securing an accused facing a non-bailable offense, the President can never substitute its judgment from that of the commander on the ground,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told a news conference.

“We respect po whatever decision of the commander may have been on the ground. If he felt that such security arrangement was necessary, so be it.”

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, who supervises the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), has already ordered an investigation to determine if there were lapses on the part of the BJMP personnel who escorted Nasino during the wake.

Nasino faces charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, allegations that her camp says are fabricated. She is currently detained at the Manila City Jail. —LDF, GMA News