Batangas City, Philippines - Four individuals, including a police officer, have been charged in connection with the disappearance of beauty pageant candidate Catherine Camilon in Batangas City. Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, reported that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 4A filed kidnapping charges against Maj. Allan Avena de Castro, Jeffrey Magpantay, and two unidentified individuals. The Batangas Provincial Prosecutor's Office will have 10 days to evaluate the case for preliminary investigation.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP considers the case a kidnapping due to Camilon's unaccounted status since October 12. De Castro, currently under restrictive custody, was in an alleged relationship with Camilon and had communicated with her online before her disappearance. Witnesses claim Magpantay was involved in transferring a blood-covered body from a Nissan Juke to a red Honda CR-V on the night Camilon went missing. Additionally, the PNP Forensic Group discovered hair strands, bloodstains, and fingerprints in the abandoned red Honda CR-V. The CIDG-4A is working to obtain a DNA sample from Camilon's family for comparison. Camilon, a teacher from Tuy town, was last seen alive in Lemery town and had informed her family about a meeting in Batangas City. A PHP250,000 reward has been offered for information leading to her whereabouts.