Suspect linked to disappearance of Catherine Camilon surrenders to police
One of the suspects allegedly involved in the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon turned himself in to local authorities in Balayan, Batangas on Tuesday, Jan. 9 for investigation.
According to a press release by the Police Regional Office 4A, 33-year-old Jeffrey Magpantay personally appeared at 11:59 a.m. at the Balayan Municipal Police Station together with his live-in partner and voluntarily submitted himself to police authority for preventive custody.
Authorities stated that he showed willingness to "cooperate and subject himself to the appropriate legal processes in relation to the charges filed against him for the crime of kidnapping and illegal detention" of Camilon, who had been missing since October last year. He has now submitted a waiver of detention, which was signed by his legal counsel.
Magpantay is believed to be the driver of the prime suspect, Police Major Allan De Castro, who is facing both administrative and criminal charges.
However, Balayan police acting chief Maj. Domingo Ballesteros said Magpantay's arrest cannot be authorized at this time as the investigation is still in its early stages and the necessary warrant has not been issued.
"He submitted himself for investigation. He wants to be in the custody of the PNP for his own safety. We are not restricting or preventing him from leaving," he added.
De Castro, who has a wife and two kids, is Camilon's alleged lover. However, their relationship was reported to be an abusive one after police discovered 17 strands of hair, blood samples, and screenshots of messages that showed the beauty queen being abused by De Castro.
The police officer remained silent when he was interrogated about his involvement in Camilon's disappearance. He is now under restrictive custody at the headquarters of the Police Regional Office 4A.
Aside from De Castro and Magpantay, authorities are looking into two more suspects in the case. According to two witnesses, Magpantay was one of the three men that they spotted transferring a bloodied woman from one vehicle to another the night before Catherine disappeared.
"We appreciate the cooperation of all individuals involved in the legal proceedings. This act of Mr. Magpantay signals his commitment to face the charges levied against him in a lawful and transparent manner," said Paul Kenneth Lucas, director of the Philippine National Police office in CALABARZON.
They assured that they will continue to provide updates regarding the missing beauty queen's case.
Camilon was last spotted in a shopping mall in Lemery hours before she was reported missing. She, however, last told her mother that she was at a gasoline station in Bauan.
The 26-year-old teacher joined Miss Grand Philippines last July, during which Nikki De Moura of Cagayan de Oro won the crown.