Roque promises to look into circumstances behind Baby River’s death

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said he would look into the circumstances behind the death of the infant daughter of detained activist Reina Mae Nasino.

"We will look into the matter. And of course, we realize that unless convicted, you are presumed innocent and that we will see what reforms can come about because of this experience with this particular incident,” Roque told a news conference.

Nasino, who faces charges for illegal possession of firearms, gave birth on July 1 and was returned to the city jail with her child the following day.

Through her lawyers, she had asked a Manila court to allow her to stay either at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital or the prison nursery of the Manila City Jail with her daughter until the child is 12 months old.

But the court rejected Nasino's request, citing the city jail's lack of resources to accommodate her and her child.

Nasino then tried to get the court’s permission to visit her sick child at the hospital, but River died on October 9 of pneumonia before the judge could act on the motion.

“But as it stands, I do not know if Manila City Jail has that facility in fact. And we will inquire from the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] because it is the DILG that manages the jail for detainees, those who have not been convicted by the courts," Roque said.

“I will personally take steps to inquire into this, knowing that there are some treaty obligations that will probably have to be complied with."

River was laid to rest on October 16. -NB, GMA News