DILG offers ₱1M reward for arrest of suspects in killing of police officer found in septic tank

• The DILG announced a ₱1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the main suspect and accomplices in the killing of PSSgt. Renato Casauay Jr.
• Authorities identified police asset Julian Salamat as the primary suspect based on CCTV footage and witness accounts
• Four individuals, including a police corporal, have been arrested for alleged roles in concealing the crime
• Investigators believe the killing was linked to Casauay’s previous anti-dru*g operations

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday announced a ₱1 million reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the main suspect and other accomplices in the killing of Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., whose body was later recovered from a septic tank in Malolos City, Bulacan.

Authorities released CCTV footage showing Casauay entering a compound in Barangay Mojon shortly before his death. Minutes after he disappeared from view, multiple gunshots were heard in the area.

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Investigators later observed several individuals exiting the alley, including Julian Salamat, whom police identified as a police asset.

Police Regional Office 3 director PBGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. said Salamat has been tagged as the primary suspect in the killing.

He added that the motive may be connected to Casauay’s previous operations against illegal dru*gs.

“Nung December 24, may operations si Casauay na nagreresult sa 50 grams [ng droga] na parang kasama sa operations nitong si Salamat,” Peñones said.

Four suspects have already been arrested, among them Police Corporal Vivencio Abalos, who authorities accused of failing to arrest Salamat despite allegedly knowing about the killing.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Abalos was later classified as an accessory to the crime.

“Julian Salamat, together with another witness, went to Corporal Abalos,” Remulla said.

Police also revealed that Abalos acted as a consultant for Salamat’s group, the Black Rider Force Multiplier.

Two of the arrested suspects reportedly admitted their role in cleaning the crime scene and hiding the victim’s body.

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“On the 31 of January, the two arrested suspects executed an extrajudicial confession surrounding their participation,” Peñones said.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, applying for cyber warrants, and reviewing additional CCTV footage. Salamat and six other suspects remain at large, prompting the DILG to intensify efforts to bring them to justice.

“I am announcing a P1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Julian Salamat and company,” Remulla said.

In other developments, a woman known as “Princess” was hit on January 26 by a barangay ambulance that was reportedly driving against traffic along Batasan–San Mateo Road. The collision happened while she was crossing the street, with investigators noting that a parked van may have obstructed her view of the approaching emergency vehicle. The driver, identified as Manuel Busto Jr., stopped immediately after the incident to help the victim, brought her to a hospital for treatment, and expressed willingness to shoulder all medical expenses. Officials from Barangay Ampid Uno have since launched a review of the driver’s authority to operate the ambulance and are reassessing safety procedures in light of the crash footage that circulated online.

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In a separate incident, a man suspected of dealing illegal dru*gs, known by the alias “Tol,” was killed on January 27, 2026, following a dramatic pursuit that began in Bacoor and ended in a shootout in Kawit. Police said the suspect managed to overpower intelligence operatives during a failed buy-bust operation and seized their unmarked vehicle to flee. As he sped away, the suspect allegedly struck two motorcycles, a tricycle, and an SUV, leaving several civilians injured. Authorities later confronted him near Marulas Bridge, where he was fatally shot after reportedly refusing to surrender and firing at responding tactical units.

Source: KAMI.com.gh