Witness in Camilon Case Hesitates to Testify
A close friend of missing beauty queen Catherine Camilon, who is also a key witness in the ongoing investigation, has expressed a desire to withdraw from the case out of fear, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo. The PNP quickly reassured the witness, emphasizing her vital role and pledging full protection.
The witness was reportedly the last person to speak with Camilon before her disappearance. She also has knowledge of the beauty queen’s “special relationship” with dismissed Police Major Allan De Castro, the main suspect in the case. Fajardo stressed the importance of the witness’s cooperation, saying, “We received information that Ms. Camilon’s friend is feeling apprehensive because she’s afraid for her security and safety. So I discussed it with the PNP chief, and what the PNP wants to convey to her is that we can assure her of protection. She shouldn’t hesitate.”
Police Urge Witness to Overcome Fear
The PNP continues to encourage the witness not to have second thoughts. “She shouldn’t have second thoughts because our intention is to give justice to the disappearance of her friend,” Fajardo added, highlighting the police commitment to her safety.
Background on the Case and Key Suspect
In January 2024, Police Major Allan De Castro was dismissed from service after being found guilty of conduct unbecoming of an officer. This followed a thorough investigation by the Calabarzon Regional Internal Affairs Service, which uncovered evidence of an extramarital affair between De Castro and Camilon.
De Castro was reportedly the person Camilon planned to meet on October 12, 2023—the day she vanished. His driver and bodyguard, Jeffrey Magpantay, is among three men suspected of moving Camilon’s body from her vehicle to another car.
Legal Actions and Evidence Recovered
Charges for kidnapping and serious illegal detention have been filed against the suspects. Authorities from the PRO 4-A Criminal Investigation and Detection Group recovered an abandoned vehicle matching witness descriptions. The car was found in a vacant lot near the corner of Dumuclay Road and Star Tollway in Barangay Pallocan East on November 9, 2023.
The vehicle, a red Honda CR-V without license plates, was sent to Camp General Miguel C. Malvar in Batangas City for forensic examination. Hair strands collected from the car were tested, and DNA results matched that of Camilon’s parents, strengthening the case against the suspects.
De Castro and Magpantay were arrested on September 14, 2024, in Barangay Caloocan, Balayan, Batangas. Their arrest followed a warrant issued by the Batangas City Regional Trial Court Branch 3 on September 4, 2024, for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The court did not grant bail for either suspect.
The PNP continues to assure the public and witnesses that justice will be served while prioritizing their safety.
For more news and updates on the Camilon case, visit Filipinokami.com.
