PNP secures missing beauty pageant bet’s kin

MANILA, Philippines — Police have secured the family of missing beauty pageant candidate Catherine Camilon after a former police major tagged in her disappearance was released from custody.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered Calabarzon police director Brig. Paul Kenneth Lucas to ensure the safety of Camilon’s family.

“We are in constant coordination with the local police, especially the regional director of Calabarzon, to make the necessary arrangements and security measures,” Acorda said.

He said the regional police office could no longer hold former major Allan de Castro following his dismissal from the service.

Acorda assured the family of Camilon that the PNP is pursuing the criminal cases filed against De Castro.

Camilon was supposed to meet De Castro on Oct. 12, 2023 when she was reported missing.

Acorda justified De Castro’s dismissal, saying there was sufficient evidence against the former police major.

Lucas said a probe by the police Regional Internal Affairs Service uncovered evidence of an extramarital affair between De Castro and Camilon.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, expressed hope that authorities would still find Camilon.