DOH urges authorities to observe 'due process' over arrested community doctor

The Department of Health (DOH) urged authorities to practice due process after community doctor Maria Natividad Castro was arrested.

"All our citizens, health workers included, enjoy the constitutional guarantees of due process and presumption of innocence until proven guilty," the DOH said in a statement.

"We trust our authorities to uphold these rights," it added.

Castro was arrested by the members of the Philippine National Police last Feb. 18. She was arrested over charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Authorities also alleged that Castro is a "communist terrorist group leader."

In a Facebook post, the doctor's brother, Jun Castro, denied the allegations.

"She is a healthcare worker who has set up community health centers and programs in Mindanao," he posted.

"My sister is accused of multiple charges of kidnapping and illegal detention, all related to her human rights advocacy. ALL UNTRUE," he added.

The DOH, meanwhile, recognized the advocacy of Castro.

"The contributions of our health workers, especially those who have opted to work with the underserved are immeasurable," it said.

READ: Doctor tagged by PNP as ‘communist terrorist leader’ arrested in San Juan; family decries allegation