Police Major Allan de Castro, the prime suspect in the mysterious disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon, has been officially dismissed from the Philippine National Police (PNP) service, as confirmed by the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO 4A). Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, the PRO 4A chief, announced the dismissal, which took effect on January 16, 2024, following a comprehensive investigation by the Regional Internal Affairs Service 4A.
De Castro’s dismissal stems from conduct unbecoming of a police officer, particularly in relation to his alleged illicit and extramarital affairs with Camilon. The seriousness of the case is underscored by the filing of kidnapping and serious illegal detention complaints against De Castro, his driver-bodyguard Jeffrey Magpantay, and two unidentified individuals in connection with Camilon’s unsettling disappearance.
While the search for Camilon continues, the investigation paints a bleak picture, with authorities indicating that the beauty queen appears to be deceased based on witness accounts. Police Major Nilo Morallos of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 4A expressed the investigators’ somber outlook, acknowledging the likelihood of the worst-case scenario while also hoping for the best outcome.
Camilon’s case has drawn significant public attention since her sister Chin-chin appealed for help on social media on October 16. The investigation revealed a tangled web of relationships and events, centering on De Castro, who was allegedly supposed to meet with Camilon on the day she vanished. Further complicating the narrative, CCTV footage and witness testimonies suggest that Camilon was not alone on her last known journey and that she was seen in distressing circumstances.
Forensic evidence, including hair and blood found in a vehicle associated with the case, has linked the physical findings to Camilon, as the DNA matched that of her parents. In a bid to uncover the truth and locate Camilon, a reward of P250,000 has been established, drawing contributions from Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the business community.
The case of Catherine Camilon remains a poignant reminder of the complexities and potential dangers lurking in personal relationships and the crucial role of law enforcement in maintaining justice and integrity within the ranks