Senate to issue subpoena vs. Camilon case suspects

Miss Grand Philippines 2023 candidate Catherine Camilon (File Photo: Catherine Camilon)

MANILA – The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is set to issue a subpoena against Police Major Allan de Castro and his driver for failing to show up on Tuesday in the panel’s inquiry on the sudden disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon more than four months ago.

At the opening of the inquiry, panel chair Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa was informed that De Castro sent a letter expressing his regret to attend because he was attending to his pregnant wife.

“Sigurado ako (I am sure) Senator [Raffy] Tulfo will move for the issuance of subpoena. If you are listening right now Major De Castro, you should come here. Hindi ‘yan rason na buntis ang asawa mo (Your wife being pregnant is not a valid reason),” dela Rosa said, calling it a “flimsy alibi.”

“‘Yung iba, takot humarap sa committee na ito. Being the chairman of this committee, I can give you the assurance that walang pwedeng maglapastangan sa inyong constitutional and statutory rights habang kayo ay nandito (Some fear facing this committee but being the chairman I assure you that no one can trample on your constitutional and statutory rights while here),” he added.

Meanwhile, De Castro’s driver and bodyguard Jeffrey Magpantay also sent a letter saying he was unable to attend because his lawyer was unwell, but assured that he would appear for the next hearing.

“Hintayin nila ‘yung subpoena and pag-isnabin pa rin nila ‘yung subpoena, hintayin nila ‘yung warrant of arrest (They should wait for the subpoena and if they still snub the subpoena, then they will have to wait for the warrant of arrest),” dela Rosa warned.

The inquiry was conducted in response to Senate Resolution Nos. 913 and 767 that Tulfo filed seeking to look into the Camilon case, and abuse, killings and human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by police officers.