Doctor Tagged as “Communist Terrorist Leader” by the PNP Arrested
The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a doctor after being tagged as a “communist terrorist leader”
A doctor who is believed to be an advocate for Lumad villages in Mindanao was detained by members of the PNP in San Juan City. Based on the report, the doctor was recognized as Dr. Natividad ‘Naty’ Castro, 53.
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Castro was reportedly seized by PNP and Armed Forces intelligence agents at Barangay San Perfecto. Her apprehension was conducted under a warrant of arrest issued on January 30, 2020 by acting presiding judge Fernando Fudalan of Regional Trial Court Branch 7 of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur,
Castro was detained “as head of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA),” according to police reports. She was charged with kidnapping and serious unlawful detention, which is a non-bailable violation, according to the PNP.
Castro’s brother Jun wrote on Facebook that they are seeking assistance since the accusations leveled against him are false. His brother, he noted, is an active healthcare worker in Mindanao’s community health centers and initiatives.
“As a health worker, she has served both rich and poor in various areas in Mindanao. Many years ago, Dr. Naty brought a Lumad (Philippine Indigenous People) who were victims of militarization to UN Geneva. She spoke there, in Geneva, to seek help for the Lumad people,” Jun said.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has voiced deep concern about the arrest of a health worker in San Juan City on February 18 and has announced that it would launch its own inquiry. Castro had been red-tagged for her work as a human rights and development activist, according to the report.
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