The main suspect in the disappearance of teacher and beauty pageant contestant Catherine Camillon was a no-show at the start of the preliminary investigation for the kidnapping and illegal detention complaints filed against him. 

Only Atty. Ferdinand Benitez, the lawyer of Police Major Allan de Castro, appeared at the Batangas City Hall of Justice on December 19, 2023. He said they went to the prosecutor’s office to ask for a copy of the complaint so they can file a counter-affidavit. 

"As of now, wala pa kami masyadong alam, eh… we'll be filing a counter-affidavit. By procedure, we don't know what to answer yet, as of now… aralin muna namin. Kuha muna kami copy ng complaint for us to file a counter [affidavit]," Benitez said.

Jeffrey Magpantay, another suspect in the case, also did not show up but was represented by his lawyer who also secured a copy of the complaint.

Catherine's friend, one of the supposed witnesses in the case against De Castro, was present. Catherine's mother, Rose, and her sister Chinchin, also attended the proceedings.

Rose became emotional when asked about what she expects from the proceedings. She said she hopes that the preliminary investigation will lead them to her daughter who has been missing for at least two months since her disappearance on October 12, 2023.

"Wala akong ibang hinhiling kundi mabigyan ng linaw, kung nasaan ang aming anak… dalawang buwan na rin. Ang hirap, kailangang magpakatatag, dahil sobrang hirap. Umaasa ako eh, magulang ako, nanay… wala akong ibang hinahangad kundi ang kalitgasan niya, makita siyang ligtas at buhay," Rose said.

The second preliminary investigation is set for January 9, 2024 where De Castro is expected to appear.