OPAPP PR/PNA
MANILA — Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. assured on Thursday that National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Francisco “Frank” Fernandez and his wife, Cleofe Lagtapon, are being given full medical attention following their arrest on March 24 in Liliw, Laguna.
“I visited the two at the Army General Hospital (AGH) yesterday, and the Philippine Army is providing them the best medical care that they need,” the peace adviser said.
“They also have dedicated nurses to ensure that their medical needs are attended round the clock,”he added.
Fernandez, 71, and Lagtapon, 66, were nabbed along with Ge-Ann Perez, 20, in a joint operation of the police and the Army last Sunday. They were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and violation of the election gun ban.
The NDF consultant is also facing four warrants for murder and multiple murder.
Galvez also debunked the claims of human rights group Karapatan that the couple, along with another arrested NDF consultant Renante Gamara, are being denied access to their legal counsel.
“What they are saying is a brazen lie. I can attest that the couple were able to meet their lawyers. They can always seek guidance from them. We also assure the couple that we will respect their rights,” he said.
The peace adviser guaranteed that the government will respect and follow the couple’s right to due process.
