The Council for People's Development and Governance (CPDG) stressed that long-time community health workers and human rights defender Dr. Natividad "Doc Naty" Castro should be given high recognition and respect, not trumped-up charges.
CPDG made the statement following the arrest of Castro on Feb. 18, following accusations that she is an official of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for providing medical aid to the Lumads.
"It is outrageous that while the country is in dire need of doctors and medical professionals to better respond to the pandemic, Doc Naty, a veteran community health worker is unjustly arrested and imprisoned," CPDG Spokesperson Liza Maza said.
"Rights defenders and community health workers like Doc Naty should be given high recognition and respect, not ridiculous trumped-up charges. We join the call for Doc Naty's immediate release and dropping of all fabricated charges," Maza added.
Castro is currently being held in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur based on charges of kidnapping and illegal detention.
The community doctor is being accused a "communist terrorist." However, Castro's family denied the authorities' allegations.