Jail detainee gives birth to dead boy

Because of the stress of failing to post bail, a woman seven months pregnant gave birth to a dead baby boy in a cell at the Manila Police District yesterday morning.

Jail guards immediately rushed Cherry Ann Hefervez, 34, to the MPD’s clinic, which is just across her detention cell at the district anti-illegal drugs (DAID) division.

But the infant died before birth, according to clinic doctor Dr. Helen Rapadas. She said with the baby born still two months to term, the infant had almost no chance of surviving.

DAID officers passed the hat to buy medicines for the mother, who is now under sedation at the MPD clinic.

Police records showed Hefervez was arrested last Feb. 17 by DAID operatives in San Andres Bukid, Manila for possession of two plastic sachets of shabu.

She was inquested for illegal possession of prohibited drugs – a bailable offense – and was placed at the DAID detention cell while awaiting a commitment order from the court that would have transferred her to the city jail.

Hefervez’s live-in partner visited her a week ago, but allegedly reneged on his promise to post bail for her, a DAID operative told The STAR.

"The detainee became restless and depressed since her partner failed to show up after his first visit. No other relatives visit her during her incarceration. We took pity on her due to her condition and some policemen even provided her with meals," narrated the officer, who declined to be identified.

At around 10 a.m. yesterday, the woman went into premature labor pains and soon gave birth. Police received feelers that the woman’s relatives want to claim the baby’s body.