A POLICE major linked to the kidnapping of beauty queen Catherine Camilon in Batangas last October has been dismissed from the service.
Calabarzon Regional Police chief Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas announced yesterday the dismissal of Maj. Allan De Castro, who has been found guilty of an administrative case.
The case is on top of the criminal charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention still pending before the Batangas provincial prosecutor’s office.
Camilon is the girlfriend of De Castro.
Lucas said he signed the dismissal order after an “extensive investigation” conducted by the Regional Internal Affairs Service of the Calabarzon regional police office.
“The case against Police Major De Castro stemmed from allegations of conduct unbecoming a police officer after a series of thorough investigation by the RIAS4A (Regional Internal Affairs Service 4-A) uncovering evidence of an illicit and extra-marital affair between the respondent and the missing Catherine Camilon,” said Lucas.
Lucas said the dismissal of De Castro “serves as a significant step in ensuring that individuals entrusted with the responsibilities of safeguarding our people are held accountable for their actions.”
Lucas said the PNP is committed to “fair and impartial investigation” against any personnel reported involved in misconduct regardless of rank and position.
“His dismissal from the service underscores the commitment of the command to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and integrity within our ranks. This reflects our dedication to transparency, accountability, and upholding the principles of justice,” said Lucas.
He said the administrative sanction imposed by the PNP against De Castro “is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation related to the disappearance of Ms. Catherine Camilon.
“The legal process will continue to unfold, and updates will be provided to the media and the public as necessary,” said Lucas.
De Castro, the erstwhile deputy chief of the Batangas provincial police drug enforcement unit, was relieved from his post and placed under the custody of the Calabarzon regional police office over his involvement in the kidnapping of Camilon.
De Castro, his driver Jeffrey Magpantay, and two John Does are facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges. Magpantay surrendered to the police last January 9.
Camilon, who remains missing, was supposed to meet with De Castro last October 12 before her disappearance.
Magpantay was seen by witnesses transferring the injured Camilon from her car to a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that was later found in Batangas City on November 9.
Probers found hair strands and bloodstains inside the SUV. Forensic examination showed the hair strands and blood matched the DNA samples taken from Camilon’s parents.
