PNP fires police linked to missing beauty queen's case
MANILA, Philippines — The Calabarzon office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) dismissed from service a police major who was linked to the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon.
PNP 4A RD Police Brigadier Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas confirmed Police Major Allan Avena de Castro was officially discharged from service last January 16 following extensive investigation by regional internal affairs authorities.
Among the reasons for de Castro's dismissal were conduct unbecoming of a police officer after evidence of an alleged "extramarital affair" with Camilon.
De Castro previously admitted to having an affair with Camilon but remains silent on her disappearance.
Related: Miss Grand Philippines 2023 candidate Catherine Camilon officially declared 'missing'
Last week, de Castro's personal bodyguard and driver, Jeffrey Magpantay, also a suspect in the case, surrendered to local authorities as he opted to be in preventive custody in order to be available for any legal proceedings that may occur.
Magpantay, however, did not disclose if there were any threats to his life as he refused to give a statement. His surrender comes after charges in connection to Camilon's kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filed against him.
Camilon has been missing now for over three months. She was last seen on October 12, 2023, while driving her car to Batangas City.
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