NUPL hopes that Pialago, others will never experience the same injustice as Nasino

MANILA, Philippines – May Undersecretary Celine Pialago of the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), or anyone else, never experience the injustice committed against detained activist Queen Mae Nasino, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Pialago said earlier he urged netizens, in a post on his Facebook timeline, to stop sympathizing with Nasino and turn his grief into a “drama series.”

“We assure good Asec that we will do the same if she were in Ina’s position and circumstance,” said Edre Olalia, NUPL secretary general, who serves as Nasino’s legal advisor.

“To begin with, we will never, ever wish for this horrible tragedy and injustice to visit Asec, her mother, her daughters, her sisters and her aunts,” added Olalia.

Pialago was met with fierce criticism online for her comments about Nasino, and many netizens supported the detained activist.

“You are making his pain even more of an afternoon drama series. For! “Pialago said in a Facebook post.

[You’re turning her grief into an afternoon drama series. Stop it!]

Nasino was arrested with two others in November last year in a police raid of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan’s office in Manila. The police reportedly found firearms and explosives in the office, for which a complaint was filed against Nasino and his colleagues.

She gave birth while in detention, but was not allowed to keep the baby, who died on October 9.

Nasino was only allowed three hours for her three-month-old baby River to rest while still handcuffed and wearing personal protective equipment.

Many denounced the number of personnel from the Office of Administration of Prisons and Penology (BJMP) who attended the burial of baby River.

Vice President Leni Robredo said the incident showed the authorities’ lack of compassion and humanity.

[atm]

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