NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Kidnapping, Other Serious Charges Filed In Camilon Case
Photo credit: Catherine Camilon
In a significant update on the Catherine Camilon case, Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao announced yesterday that the provincial prosecutors in Batangas have accepted the filing of charges against Major Allan de Castro and Mr. Jeffrey Magpantay.
The charges stem from the initial evaluation, which revealed prima facie evidence for the crimes of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention.
The decision to file charges came during the ongoing evaluation of evidence, a process that aligns with Department Circular 20.
The charges are based on the compelling testimonies of Camilon's parents, her sibling, and a close friend who is also a beauty pageant contestant.
This friend claimed that Major Allan de Castro was the individual Catherine was supposed to meet on the day of her disappearance, supported by exchanged messages between the victim and the said friend.
"Initially, our charges are for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, backed by the testimony of the victim's family and friend. The evidence we've gathered so far supports these allegations," stated Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao.
The latest development occurred on November 8, 2023, when two witnesses reported seeing three individuals transferring what is believed to be Catherine Camilon's body to another vehicle.
"Our investigation has led us to Major Allan de Castro and Mr. Jeffrey Magpantay. According to our findings, Magpantay serves as de Castro's personal driver, and the other two unidentified individuals were involved in transferring the victim from a Nissan Juke to a Red CRV. We are currently working to identify these individuals," added Malinao.
Further insight into the case suggests a possible motive for Camilon's disappearance. The victim's sibling and friend shared that Catherine wanted to sever ties with Major de Castro due to alleged abuse.
There were also claims that the officer had informed his spouse about an alleged affair, which could be a potential motive.
"Based on statements from the victim's sibling and friend, it appears that Catherine wanted to distance herself from Major de Castro, citing abuse. If we can substantiate these claims through evidence, it could be a probable motive for her disappearance," explained Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao.
The charges stem from the initial evaluation, which revealed prima facie evidence for the crimes of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention.
The decision to file charges came during the ongoing evaluation of evidence, a process that aligns with Department Circular 20.
The charges are based on the compelling testimonies of Camilon's parents, her sibling, and a close friend who is also a beauty pageant contestant.
This friend claimed that Major Allan de Castro was the individual Catherine was supposed to meet on the day of her disappearance, supported by exchanged messages between the victim and the said friend.
"Initially, our charges are for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, backed by the testimony of the victim's family and friend. The evidence we've gathered so far supports these allegations," stated Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao.
The latest development occurred on November 8, 2023, when two witnesses reported seeing three individuals transferring what is believed to be Catherine Camilon's body to another vehicle.
"Our investigation has led us to Major Allan de Castro and Mr. Jeffrey Magpantay. According to our findings, Magpantay serves as de Castro's personal driver, and the other two unidentified individuals were involved in transferring the victim from a Nissan Juke to a Red CRV. We are currently working to identify these individuals," added Malinao.
Further insight into the case suggests a possible motive for Camilon's disappearance. The victim's sibling and friend shared that Catherine wanted to sever ties with Major de Castro due to alleged abuse.
There were also claims that the officer had informed his spouse about an alleged affair, which could be a potential motive.
"Based on statements from the victim's sibling and friend, it appears that Catherine wanted to distance herself from Major de Castro, citing abuse. If we can substantiate these claims through evidence, it could be a probable motive for her disappearance," explained Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao.
Nov 15, 2023
