Dr. Naty Castro thanks public for help, prayers, support

Health worker Dr. Ma. Natividad "Naty" Castro expressed her gratitude to those who have been helping her, and for the outpouring of public support, after she was taken into custody on Friday on allegations that she is a ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

In a video posted by former Supreme Court spokesman Ted Te on Sunday, Castro said she was in Bayugan City Police station after her arrest by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces intelligence operatives in Barangay San Perfecto, on a warrant of  arrest issued on January 30, 2020 by acting presiding judge Fernando Fudalan of the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat na patuloy na nagdadasal, nakikiramay, at sumusubaybay sa aking kalagayan ngayon. Bagama’t mahirap, nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng nagpapagaan ng matinding pagsubok na ito,” Castro said.

[I am grateful to all of you who continue to pray, sympathize, and monitor my situation. Although it is difficult, I am thankful to all everyone helping alleviate this difficulty.]

She then specifically thanked her classmates and colleagues in the University of the Philippines (UP) and St. Scholastica's College, and her lawyer.

“Sana ay maging mabunga ang pagharap ko sa pagsubok na ito sa tulong ninyo at sa tulong ng inyong mga dasal,” Castro added.

[May I face this trial fruitfully with your help and the help of your prayers.]

Police said Castro is facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), however, said Castro has been red-tagged for her work.

Castro's batchmates in medical school also demanded that she be released immediately, saying the charges against her were related to her work.

Meanwhile, UP Manila on Sunday called for justice over the arrest of Castro, who is an alumna of UPM College of Medicine Class 1995.

The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) said Sunday that they and Castro's family were able to meet with and spend time with her.

They said they will pursue legal remedies against those who have red-tagged and continue to red-tag Castro, and they will also secure her freedom or the immediate dismissal of the case against her. — BM, GMA News