Police found the body of missing Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr. inside a septic tank in Barangay Mojon, Malolos, Bulacan, on Friday night.
Casauay, a member of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, had been missing since January 25 after failing to return home from a gathering with friends.
The victim was discovered with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Investigators traced the body to the Mauricio compound after a witness reported that a police asset, Julian Salamat, confessed to the killing. Salamat allegedly shot the officer after taking offense at a joke made during the gathering.
Police Corporal Vivencio Abalos, who was with the victim on the night of the disappearance, surrendered to authorities on January 30. Police officials stated that Abalos confessed to his involvement in the crime, reportedly driven by guilt.
Also in custody is Oliver Paul Mauricio, a man with a prior record for illegal drugs and firearms, at whose property the body was hidden. Authorities are currently investigating the specific roles played by Abalos and Mauricio in the officer’s death and the disposal of his remains.
While two suspects are in custody, Julian Salamat and another unidentified individual remain at large. Joint police teams are conducting a manhunt and an in-depth investigation to secure a conviction for the gruesome killing.
