On February 21, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) published an article on its website that directly claimed that the arrested Dr. Maria Natividad “Naty” Castro is a recruiter, trainer, and fundraiser of the New People’s Army (NPA), as attested supposedly by an “ex-rebel” named Gleceria Balangiao. Balangiao, also known as “Ka Inday.”
The press release posted by the PNA went on to discuss Balangiao’s supposed testimony during a virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday. Dr. Castro supposedly recruits health professionals to join the NPA as “medics.”
CLAIM:
The detained Dr. Maria Natividad Castro is a member of the CPP-NPA-NDF
RATING:
FALSE
FACTS:
Several civil society organizations, including medical associations, and even the Department of Health (albeit not naming Dr. Castro in their statement) have not only decried the doctor’s arbitrary arrest but also attest to her decades-long public service as a community doctor.
In a statement released by the UP College of Medicine where Dr. Castro studied, it was stressed that the doctor dedicated her medical career to providing health services to poor and rural areas in Mindanao. The Commission on Human Rights also released a statement where it expressed concern over “the manner of arrest, particularly in the alleged lapses in procedure by the PNP in serving the warrant of arrest and likewise the red-tagging of Dr. Castro for her work as a human rights defender and development worker.”
Neither the PNA nor the NTF-ELCAC has provided proof to establish the veracity of the testimonies of the supposed ex-rebel Balangiao that links Dr. Castro to the NPA. The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), the group that stands as Dr. Castro’s counsel, has already stated that their client is “not a communist nor is she a terrorist.”
WHY IT MATTERS:
The PNA is a government-owned news media company under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). It is funded by the public and has a P121.75 million budget for 2022.
The PNA shared the article on its official Facebook page that has over 339,000 followers. As of this writing, the Facebook post has reached over 4,500 reactions, 726 shares, and 426 comments. Sharing the article in the PNA portal makes it appear as an official government stance, even if the accusations hurled against Dr. Castro remain questionable and are bereft of irrefutable evidence. – Vanessa Adolfo and Jamaica Marciano
Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.
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