Medical group urges authorities to observe rights of arrested doctor

Dr. Ma. Natividad Marian Castro. (Photo from Facebook of  JUN CASTRO)

MANILA, Philippines — While respecting the judicial process, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) on Tuesday called on authorities to observe the constitutional rights of the doctor who was accused of being a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Central Committee and was arrested by the police.

“The Philippine Medical Association respects the judicial processes and to appeals for the constitutional rights of the accused to be upheld, and her basic needs, including medical, be provided. In the end, the rule of law must prevail so that justice will be preserved,” the PMA said in a statement signed by five of its national officers and 17 governors.

The PMA was referring to the arrest of Dr. Natividad “Naty” Castro by the police on February 18 through a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on January 30, 2020 for alleged kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“Dr. Castro practices in the rural communities of Agusan. While not a member of the Philippine Medical Association, she is a fellow health care worker, serving the community. That said, she is facing serious charges which cannot be taken lightly and cast aside without following the rule of law,” the PMA said.

Before this, the Department of Health has also issued a statement reminding authorities to follow due process in the detention of Castro.

On Saturday morning, the Free Legal Assistance Group raised concerns over the whereabouts of Castro and said that her sister was not allowed access to her to give her medicines for diabetes and hypertension.

Castro’s sister later said she found the doctor on Saturday afternoon detained at the Bayugan City headquarters of the Philippine National Police in Agusan del Sur province.

JPV