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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR urged to probe death of detained activist's baby in Negros Oriental

CHR urged to probe death of detained activist's baby in Negros Oriental

Published Feb 18, 2021 10:32 am

The barely month-old daughter of a detained activist in Negros Oriental died on Valentine’s Day, support group Kapatid said Thursday, Feb. 18.

(PIXABAY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Citing reports from local rights group, Kapatid said the baby girl of detained peasant and rights activist Nona Espinosa died on Feb. 14 of an infection in the lungs and blood after being hospitalized for a few days due to low hemoglobin count.

Baby Carlen was born in January with a cleft palate. 

Kapatid urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to probe the death of the baby Carlen, as well as look into the conditions of pregnant prisoners in the country.

“We ask the Commission on Human Rights to investigate what happened and to likewise look into the conditions of pregnant prisoners and if the government is complying with the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (otherwise known as the Bangkok Rules),” said Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim.

The group reminded that Bangkok Rules stated that women prisoners shall not be discouraged from breastfeeding their children, unless there are specific health reasons to do so.

Just four months ago, the three-month old baby of activist Reina Mae Nasino also died. After giving birth to baby River, Nasino was separated from her newborn daughter and was returned back in jail.

Nasino, who worked for the urban poverty group Kadamay, was arrested in November 2019 with two fellow activists after police raided their office over charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

“Cases of infants who died after being taken away from their mothers are of serious concern. If this happened to the infants of Nona Espinosa and Reina Mae Nasino, what about other prisoners who also lost their newborn after being separated from them?,” Lim said.

“There are stories in the dark that must come to light but let the plight of baby Carlen and baby River remind the government of its obligation to prioritize the protection of the innocent. Otherwise release their mothers to take proper care of them since there are other custodial and judicial measures to enforce their appearance in court,” she added.

Espinosa and her husband, Adidas Acero, were arrested along with seven other peasant activists on Sept. 20, 2020 in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental over “trumped-up” charges.

Authorities issued an arrest warrant against Nona for purported murder, robbery, theft, and frustrated murder charges. While,  Adidas was arrested for alleged illegal possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition.

The local rights group Kabataan Para sa Karapatan - Negros Oriental, Espinosa and her child were separated three days after giving birth via a cesarean section, and was then sent back to the Guihulngan City Police Station.

“We have repeatedly pointed out the importance of keeping mother and child together as breastfeeding is essential for survival, especially for those born with health concerns,” Lim said.

“While Carlen was born with a cleft palate, Nona Espinosa could have been able to give what her child needs had they not been separated too soon,” she added. 

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