THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have been coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to prevent PMaj. Allan De Castro, the primary suspect in the disappearance of beauty pageant contestant Catherine Camilon, from leaving the country.
De Castro, who was relieved from police service, was released from police custody at Camp Vicente Lim on January 16, 2024.
“We have already coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration in anticipation of his possible attempt to leave the country. We have initiated coordination for a hold departure order to prevent the main suspect from fleeing the country,” CIDG Director PMaj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. disclosed.
Caramat added, “I believe that once he leaves the country or attempts to escape, that’s already an admission of guilt on his part. I don’t think he will do that, but who knows.”
The CIDG is diligently working towards securing a conviction in the criminal case filed against De Castro, his driver Jeffrey Magpantay, and two unidentified individuals. Caramat expressed hope that Magpantay would eventually admit his involvement in the disappearance of Miss Camilon.
“We are still optimistic about winning the case and securing a conviction against the suspects. In the administrative case against our suspect, we already have substantial evidence of his participation, and it will depend on the court’s appreciation of the case,” Caramat stated.
He continued, “As I mentioned, if we can convince other witnesses to come forward or if Magpantay becomes a state witness, it will strengthen our case.”
The situation has become “torturous” for Camilon’s family, according to the police official.
“We all have a conscience. Hopefully, Magpantay will become a state witness since he has already waived and signed a waiver for his detention. I believe that he will soon reveal their participation and the truth,” he said.
