MANILA — The Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A (Calabarzon) announced on Thursday (18 Jan 2024) the dismissal of Major Allan de Castro, the police officer implicated in the disappearance of beauty pageant candidate Catherine Camilon.
PRO 4A Chief Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas revealed in a statement that the dismissal, effective January 16, followed an investigation conducted by the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) 4A.
The case against de Castro revolves around allegations of conduct unbecoming of a police officer, stemming from a comprehensive investigation by RIAS 4A that uncovered evidence of an illicit and extramarital affair between de Castro and Camilon.
Lucas emphasized the commitment of the PRO Calabarzon to conducting fair and impartial investigations into misconduct allegations, regardless of personnel rank or position.
“We will not allow our personnel to be involved in similar incidents that will tarnish the image of the PNP, especially here in PRO Calabarzon,” Lucas said.
Highlighting de Castro’s dismissal as an independent administrative action, Lucas underlined its separation from the ongoing criminal investigation related to Camilon’s disappearance.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Calabarzon has filed a kidnapping case against de Castro, Jeffrey Magpantay, the alleged driver of de Castro, and two John Does before the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. The office held three preliminary investigations in December.
Catherine Camilon, a teacher in Tuy town, was last seen alive on October 12, 2023, at a mall in nearby Lemery.
Her last contact with family occurred when she called to inform them she was in Bauan and heading to a meeting in Batangas City.
She remains missing to this day.
(By el Amigo/MNM)