POLICE have released in custody the cop who was implicated in the disappearance of beauty pageant bet Catherine Camilon.
At a press conference on Monday, Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said Police Major Allan de Castro was released because he has already been dismissed from the service.
“Since he was dismissed from the service, he is now released from our custody. Kumbaga, wala na siya (He is no longer with the PNP). But still the criminal case will be pursued by the PNP,” he said.
Despite De Castro’s release, Acorda said the PNP will continue to monitor his whereabouts so police can easily capture him in case a warrant arrest is issued against him.
De Castro was placed under the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit on October 26, 2023, the Police Regional Police Office 4A said.
Last week, Police Regional office (PRO) 4A chief Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas said De Castro’s dismissal became effective on January 16.
According to Lucas, De Castro’s dismissal was due to conduct unbecoming of a police officer, citing the latter’s alleged illicit and extramarital affairs with Camilon.
Kidnapping and serious illegal detention complaints have been filed against De Castro, his driver-bodyguard Jeffrey Magpantay, and two John Does in connection with Camilon’s disappearance.
De Castro was reportedly the person Camilon was supposed to meet on the day of her disappearance. De Castro has denied this.
