Suspected rebel doctor arrested in San Juan

MANILA, Philippines — A doctor accused by the government of being a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was arrested in San Juan City yesterday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the arrest of Dr. Maria Natividad Castro, 53, is based on a warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Judge Fernando Fudalan of the 10th Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

The court did not recommend bail for Castro’s release.

Brig. Gen. Orlando Yebra, Eastern Police District director, said Castro was arrested at her home in Barangay San Perfecto at around 9:40 a.m. and brought to Camp Crame for booking.

The PNP alleged that Castro is a member of the CPP’s central committee and head of its national health bureau based in Barangay Libertad in Butuan City.

The Caraga police said Castro was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Dec. 29, 2018.

Castro’s brother, Jun, said his sister is not a criminal but a health worker who set up community health centers and programs in Mindanao.

“My sister is accused of multiple charges of kidnapping and illegal detention, all related to her human rights advocacy. All untrue,” he said in a Facebook post.

He said Castro was among the 100 most outstanding graduates of St. Scholastica’s College in Manila together with former president and democracy icon Corazon Aquino.

He said Castro brought lumads who were alleged victims of militarization to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.