In a deeply unsettling turn of events, the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of Catherine Camilon, a prominent contestant in the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 competition, has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving her family and the public in a state of profound distress.
Camilon, who represented Tuy, Batangas, in the prestigious national beauty pageant just a few months ago, has been missing since October 12.
Camilon’s distraught sister, Chin-chin, turned to Facebook with a heartfelt and emotional plea, reaching out to anyone who might have seen her sister the night before her mysterious vanishing. She implored on social media: “If the person who was with Catherine Camilon last night comes across this message, even if we don’t know your identity or name, please let us know her whereabouts.”
Chin-chin expressed her growing concern, noting that Camilon made a phone call at 8 pm the previous night, but her phone has been turned off since the morning, and she has disappeared from all online activity. Chin-chin emphasized, “She always keeps us informed, but this is the first time she hasn’t.”
Social media has erupted with expressions of concern and inquiries about Camilon’s whereabouts, with her sister’s posts flooded with heartfelt worry.
The nation collectively hopes for her safe return, as it has now been nearly two days since anyone has been in contact with her.
Camilon is known for never going anywhere without informing her family, which makes her disappearance all the more puzzling.
Meanwhile, Police Colonel Samson Belmonte, the Director of the Batangas Police Provincial Office, issued on Wednesday, 18 October 2023, a directive to intensify efforts to locate and gather information about the disappearance of the model and 26-year-old high school teacher residing in Brgy. Rillo, Tuy, Batangas.
All stations and units within the Batangas Police Province are collaborating with the Tuy Municipal Police Station to search for any leads or information about the whereabouts of the missing person.
Individuals with credible information are encouraged to contact the Tuy Municipal Police Station via their Station Hotline at 0998-598-5711.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Plea
On October 14, Camilon’s mother, Rose, joined the heartfelt pleas on Facebook, fervently praying for her daughter’s safe return, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
To bolster the search for Catherine Camilon, the local online news platform, Balisong Channel, based in Batangas, has launched a request for information about her disappearance.
Camilon’s Diverse Background
Catherine Camilon isn’t just a remarkable contestant competing for the title of Miss Grand Philippines 2023; she’s also a model and a dedicated public school teacher in Batangas. This makes her disappearance all the more perplexing and concerning to the public.
The circumstances surrounding her vanishing remain enigmatic, and her loved ones and the nation anxiously await her safe return.
Catherine’s mother, Rose, reiterated her plea on Tuesday, October 17, for her daughter to come home: ‘Ikaw ay aming hinihintay na.’
Meeting with an Online Company
Rose Camilon also shared with TeleRadyo that Catherine went from her hometown, Tuy, to Batangas City for a meeting with an online media company where she served as a talent.
Rose mentioned that Catherine had been in touch until around 3:30 a.m. on October 13, 2023, but she was last seen on October 12.
Rose revealed her belief that Catherine was going through something, even though she hadn’t confided in her. She said, “We’re waiting for you. Wherever you are, please come home to us. Whatever you’re going through, come home, and we’ll understand.”
In a Facebook post on October 13, Catherine’s sister, Chin-Chin, called on a colleague of the beauty queen who was with her the night before her disappearance. Chin-Chin mentioned that Catherine called around 8 p.m. on the evening of October 12, but her phone went dead the next morning. She also shared additional information, including her car’s model (Nissan Juke) and plate number, as well as a poster indicating Catherine’s age (26), height (5’6″), and their mother’s mobile number.
It’s not yet clear whether the Camilons have sought assistance from authorities.
Catherine participated in Miss Grand Philippines in July, during which Nikki De Moura of Cagayan de Oro won the crown.
(Amado Inigo/mnm)