Quezon City, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed that the hair strands found in an abandoned vehicle matched the DNA of the parents of missing Miss Grand Philippines 2023 candidate Catherine Camilon.
According to Philippines News Agency, In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Fajardo reported that the DNA test results, disclosed by the PNP Forensics Group (FG), positively matched the DNA profile of Camilon's parents. This discovery indicates that Camilon was either in or had been present in the recovered Honda CRV linked to her disappearance. The investigation is still ongoing, with the blood specimen recovered from the vehicle currently under examination to gather more forensic evidence and identify possible suspects.
Fajardo highlighted the significance of this development, recalling witness statements that reported seeing a bloodied female being transferred from a Nissan Juke, which Camilon was driving before her disappearance, to a red Honda CRV. The red Honda CRV was later found abandoned on a road leading to Bauan town on November 8.
One of the three men seen transferring the victim, according to witnesses, was identified as the personal driver of Maj. Alan de Castro, who is one of the suspects in the case. De Castro, along with his driver/bodyguard Jeffrey Magpantay and two unidentified individuals, have been charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with Camilon's disappearance. Despite these charges, Camilon is still officially considered a missing person.
Camilon was last seen in a mall in Lemery, Batangas, on October 12. She had also contacted her family before her disappearance, mentioning she was in Bauan and heading to a meeting in Batangas City. De Castro, who admitted to having an affair with Camilon, has not commented on his alleged involvement in her disappearance.
The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover further details about the circumstances of Camilon's disappearance, with the PNP continuing its efforts to locate her and bring those responsible to justice.