CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Police Major Allan de Castro, the prime suspect behind the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon last year, has been released from restrictive police custody after he was dismissed from the service, the Police Regional Office 4-A confirmed on Tuesday, January 23.
CAMILON
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/18/police-major-tied-to-disappearance-of-beauty-queen-sacked
PRO 4-A public information officer Police Col. Chitadel Gaoiran said De Castro was released from custody after his dismissal order was signed and released by PRO 4-A Director Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas last Thursday.
De Castro’s dismissal was effective January 16 following an extensive investigation conducted by the Regional Internal Affairs Service 4-A on the administrative case filed against him for conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
After a series of investigation, the RIAS 4-A uncovered evidence of an illicit and extramarital affair between De Castro and Camilon.
Lucas said De Castro's dismissal serves as a significant step in ensuring that individuals entrusted with the responsibilities of serving and protecting the people are held accountable for their actions.
“We remain committed to conducting fair and impartial investigations into any similar allegations of misconduct, regardless of our personnel’s rank or position. Hindi natin hahayaan na masangkot sa ano mang katulad na insidente ang ating mga personnel (We won’t let any of our personnel be involved in these kind of incidents) that will taint the image of the PNP especially here in the Police Regional Office-Calabarzon,” said Lucas.
Lucas said De Castro is no longer a policeman and now a civilian, thus, there is no reason to hold him, unlike in the past days because of his administrative case.
The dismissal of De Castro was an independent administrative action and is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation related to the disappearance of Camilon, Lucas said in a press conference here on January 18.
De Castro is still facing another administrative case under National Internal Affairs Service on the criminal charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention filed against him.
“The legal process will continue to unfold, and updates will be provided to the media and the public as necessary. His dismissal from the service underscores the commitment of the command in maintaining the highest standards of conduct and integrity within our ranks. This reflects our dedication to transparency, accountability, and upholding the principles of justice,” Lucas said.