Student-led organizations such as Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO), including Institute of Nursing Student Council (INSC), Young Women’s Chrisitan Association (YWCA) - FEU Chapter, and FEU Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) have condemned the inhumane harassment  to activist and urban poor advocate Reina Mae Nasino and to Baby River’s burial yesterday.

In an online statement, FEUCSO expressed their grief and demand over the release of Nasino along with the other illegally detained political prisoners.

They stated, “Selective justice and silencing of activists should not have a place in a just and humane world.”

The student government also called on that in these times where human rights are ‘tossed aside,’ Filipinos should be vigilant and socially aware.

Further, YWCA - FEU Chapter has also expressed their denouncement by saying, “We should not tolerate the actions of the authorities that rip away and deny basic human rights we should have.”

In addition, INSC slammed the injustice stating that the justice system in the Philippines is already dying and the action given was ‘suppressing’.  

Moreover, FEU SAGA has also extended their condolences to the Nasino family and has called out the anomalies saying, “It also negates the motto of our enforcers to serve and protect.”

In a crackdown against activists last November 2019, several offices of progressive groups were raided by police and were allegedly planted with evidence resulting in the arrest of the activists including Reina Mae Nasino. 

Amid the onslaught of the pandemic, Nasino gave birth to baby River on July 1 and was separated immediately as she was ordered to return to Manila City Jail on July 3.

On October 9, baby River died of pulmonary complications and even then, Nasino was denied to be with her baby. 

After initially being granted a continuous three-day furlough for Nasino, the decision was cut to six hours after the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory filed a letter opposing the decision due to a “lack of personnel” to accompany her.

On October 14, Nasino was brought to her child’s wake with full personal protective equipment (PPE) and handcuffs accompanied by 48 jail guards and armed police enforcement.

Last October 16, Nasino was given a three-hour furlough by Manila Regional Trial Court to see her child buried at the Manila North Cemetery. She was handcuffed and in PPE while accompanied by BJMP in full battle gear.

-Vonne P. Milanes