Cop linked to Catherine Camilon's disappearance released from police custody

The cop who was tagged as the primary suspect in the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon has been released from police custody.

At a press conference on Monday, Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said Police Major Allan de Castro was released because he has already been dismissed from the service.

"Since he was dismissed from the service, he is now released from our custody. Kumbaga, wala na siya (He is no longer with the PNP). But still the criminal case will be pursued by the PNP," he said.

Despite De Castro's release, Acorda said the PNP will continue to monitor his whereabouts so police can easily capture him in case a warrant arrest is issued against him.

On October 26, 2023, the Police Regional Police Office 4A said De Castro was placed under the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit when he was named as one of the persons of interest in Camilon's disappearance.

Last week, Police Regional office (PRO) 4A chief Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas said De Castro’s dismissal became effective on January 16.

According to Lucas, De Castro's dismissal was due to conduct unbecoming of a police officer, citing the latter's alleged illicit and extramarital affairs with Camilon.

Kidnapping and serious illegal detention complaints have been filed against De Castro, his driver-bodyguard Jeffrey Magpantay, and two John Does in connection with Camilon's disappearance.

On October 16, Camilon's sister Chin-chin took to social media to ask netizens for help in locating her sister. Five days later, Camilon was officially declared a "missing person."

Authorities said a close friend of Camilon reached out to Chin-Chin and told her of the alleged relationship between the beauty queen and De Castro.

De Castro was reportedly the person Camilon was supposed to meet on the day of her disappearance. De Castro has denied this.

Based on information reaching the police, it was De Castro who allegedly gave Camilon the vehicle she was seen in when she left her house.

Based on CCTV footage captured on October 12, Camilon's car was seen passing some towns in Batangas. Police said she did not appear to be alone.

Witnesses came forward saying they saw Camilon bloodied while being transferred from her car to another vehicle on October 12. The witnesses also said they saw Magpantay in the area.

The hair and blood recovered from the vehicle, which was later located by the police, matched the DNA profile of Camilon's parents.

The reward for information on Camilon's location is currently at P250,000, with the funds coming from Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the business sector.

Though Camilon has yet to be located, investigators earlier said it "appears" that she is already dead based on the accounts of witnesses. — RSJ/KBK, GMA Integrated News