The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it will conduct a fair and impartial probe into the disappearance of Catherine Camilon, a candidate for the Miss Grand Philippines 2023.
This despite the alleged involvement of a policeman in the case, the DILG said.
“In the event that all the evidence gathered point to the subject police officer’s possible involvement, we assure the public of a fair, proper and impartial investigation,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said in a statement.
Abalos said he was “terribly disappointed” and “greatly disturbed” that a cop might be involved in the disappearance of Camilon, who was last seen at a mall in Lemery town in Batangas on October 12.
Abalos had instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough investigation on the incident, including pursuing all actionable leads, making efforts within the bounds of the law to rescue the missing victim and to return her safely to her family.
“We will not tolerate nor cover up any wrongdoing by any member of the PNP,” the official said.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A said the police officer in question has been temporarily relieved from his post pending the investigation.
Abalos urged anyone who has knowledge or information regarding Camilon’s whereabouts to come forward and report to the PNP.
Police are also looking for the original owner of the vehicle Camilon was using on the day she went missing, as the former owner of the car supposedly provided a fictitious address on the deed of sale, authorities said Friday.
According to the police, the person of interest in the disappearance of Camilon, a police officer, gave the said vehicle to the beauty queen.
Camilon was using the vehicle on the day she went missing.
Based on CCTV footage captured on October 12, Camilon’s vehicle was seen passing some towns in Batangas. Camilon did not appear to be alone.
The reward for the information on the location of Camilon has recently been increased to P250,000.