CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – A dismissed police major and his driver tagged as primary suspects in the disappearance of pageant candidate Catherine Camilon last year were arrested on Saturday, September 14, in Barangay Caloocan, Balayan, Batangas, the Police Regional Office 4-A said on Wednesday, September 18.
CAMILON (File)
PRO 4-A chief Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas identified the suspects as former Police Major Allan Avena de Castro, 40, of Tuy, Batangas, and driver Jeffrey Ariola Magpantay, of Barangay San Roque, Rosario, Batangas.
The suspects were apprehended by a Special Intelligence and Tracker Team following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against them.
They voluntarily surrendered to authorities after formal charges were filed against them on November 13, 2023. However, they were released when the Regional Prosecutor's Office dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence.
A motion for reconsideration was filed on May 23, 2024 by the deputy city prosecutor, Office of the Regional Prosecutor IV, San Pablo, Laguna, which was approved on August 15, 2024 by Judge Dulce M. Ricafort-Fuller.
A warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention (Article 267 of the RPC) as amended by Republic Acts 18 and 1084, was issued on September 4, 2024, by Judge Jacqueline Hernandez Balmes of the Regional Trial Court Branch 3, Batangas City, with no bail recommended, against the suspects, making them the No. 1 most wanted persons in the Calabarzon region.
A SACKED police major and his driver wanted in the disappearance of pageant candidate Catherine Camilon were arrested on September 14 in Barangay Caloocan, Balayan, Batangas. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
Lucas said the arrest of the suspects brings the case closer to a resolution. “This accomplishment brings us closer to a breakthrough in the pursuit of truth, ultimately leading to the resolution of the Camilon case.”
He assured that they will continue to make every effort to hold those responsible for Camilon's disappearance accountable and ensure that justice is served for her family.
The suspects are detained at the custodial facility of the Balayan municipal police station for proper disposition.
Camilon was last seen alive on October 12, 2023.