Maria Natividad "Naty" Castro
Sources
Dr. Maria Natividad ("Naty") Castro was arrested on February 18, 2022 for allegedly being linked to the outlawed New People’s Army, and being involved in the kidnapping of a government-backed militia member in 2018 while helping indigenous communities in Mindanao. Naty Castro is a longtime advocate and human rights activist. One of her recent efforts, which allegedly led to her red-tagging, was her work in support to the Lumads and indigenous peoples opposing development projects on their lands. On March 25 decision, the Bayugan City Region Trial Court Branch 7 dismissed the case and ordered Dr. Castro's release.