A POLICEMAN has been tagged as a “person of interest” in the case of missing beauty queen Catherine Camilon.
Police Regional Office 4A (Calabazon) Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas revealed that police investigation leads to a police officer as a “person of interest.”
The Calabarzon top cop said a text message was sent to Chin-Chin Camilon, Catherine’s sister, allegedly from a close friend.
The text message contains information about the romantic relationship of Catherine and the police officer.
Authorities said the policeman was the one who gave the vehicle to Catherine which was caught on CCTV footages.
On the text message, the friend also mentioned that Catherine and the police officer agreed to meet on the day of her disappearance.
While the specifics of the evidence have not been disclosed so as not to preempt the ongoing investigation, the information revealed has raised significant questions that necessitate a thorough investigation, said Lucas.
The Calabarzon top cop said the police officer in question has been relieved of his current post pending a full and impartial investigation.
The cop-person of interest was immediately placed under the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit.
Lucas said the removal of the police officer from his position is essential to ensure that the investigation remains free from potential influence and guarantees a fair and thorough examination of the case.
“We in PRO-Calabarzon and other supporting units of the PNP remain committed to finding Miss Catherine Camilon and bringing her home safe. We urge the public to continue cooperating with the authorities by providing any information that could help in resolving this case,” said Lucas.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 4A will take the lead on the investigation while the Regional Internal Affairs 4A will conduct its separate administrative investigation as recommended through a resolution by the Regional Committee on Missing and Found Person, which was approved by the Regional Director.
“We understand the concern of the family of Miss Camilon during this challenging time. We request everyone to refrain from speculating or disseminating unverified information. We will keep the media and the public informed as the investigation unfolds, and we will do everything in our power to find answers regarding this incident,” the Calabarzon top cop said.
The 26-year-old Catherine represented Tuy, Batangas in the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 pageant in July.
Catherine, who also works as a public school teacher, failed to return home since October 12.