Cop linked to missing beauty queen sacked

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – A police major tagged in the disappearance of a beauty pageant candidate has been dismissed from the service.

Maj. Allan de Castro’s dismissal was effective on Tuesday, according to Calabarzon police director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, citing a report of the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS).

Miss Grand Philippines 2023 candidate Catherine Camilon was supposed to meet De Castro on Oct. 12, 2023 when she was reported missing.

“There was sufficient evidence for the case, so I signed it,” Lucas said, adding that De Castro can appeal his dismissal.

At a press conference, Lucas said the case stemmed from allegations of conduct unbecoming of a police officer after a probe by the RIAS, which uncovered evidence of an illicit and extramarital affair between De Castro and Camilon.

Among the evidence presented was the affidavit of Camilon’s friend to whom the pageant contestant confided that the policeman hit her.

Lucas also cited the photos and screenshots of text messages between De Castro and Camilon.

The dismissal of De Castro is an independent administrative action and separate from the ongoing criminal investigation, Lucas said.

De Castro was released from police custody yesterday.

Lucas said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group assigned someone who will monitor the movement of the suspect.

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga City, four policemen were dismissed for their alleged involvement in a robbery disguised as an operation in November last year.

Lt. Ariel Jalatoria, Staff Master Sgt. Al-Najir Ynawat, S/ Sgt. Edcel Nicolas and Pat. Ryan Apostol were found guilty of grave misconduct based on the recommendation of the Zamboanga peninsula police office.

Regional police director Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding said the four were arrested after they raided the house of a businessman after supposedly serving an arrest warrant in Barangay Tetuan on Nov. 14.

The four policeman were accused of carting away P2.1 million in cash and personal belongings of the businessman. –