FLAG questions name on Dr. Naty Castro arrest warrant

The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) on Sunday questioned the accuracy of the arrest warrant for Dr. Natividad Castro, who was taken into custody by the police last week.

"Her name does not even appear to be her name in the alleged warrant," lawyer Wilfred Asis of FLAG Caraga said in Vonne Aquino's report on 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday.

"We are going to file not only criminal cases against them but even damages. We are thinking of either filing a motion to dismiss the charge and or writ of habeas corpus," he added.

Lawyer Luie Guia, whom Castro's family had also appealed to for help, said that the arresting team would not reply to his questions.

"Tinatanong ko yung mga pangalan nila at kung anong unit, ayaw nilang sabihin kung saan sila o ano," he said. 

Castro was taken into custody on Friday by the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces intelligence operatives in Barangay San Perfecto, San Juan City on the basis of 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.

Police have accused Castro—a physician and a longtime advocate for Lumad and poor communities—of being a ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines. She is facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.

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

The University of the Philippines Manila called for justice and expressed concerns over the arrest of their alumna.

FLAG said it 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. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News