By Vhioly Rosatazo& Roel Arizala
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The body of a police officer who had been missing for seven days was discovered inside a septic tank in a residential village in this city following the implementation of a search warrant early morning of January 31.
Police identified the victim as Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., 46, married, and a resident of Aldama Street, Sta. Barbara, Baliuag City. Casauay was assigned to the PNP Drug Enforcement Unit, Special Operations Unit 3 (DEU SOU-3).
Authorities found the remains buried beneath freshly poured cement in a septic tank located behind a bamboo hut in the yard of a certain alias “Sampol,” the son of a journalist, along Golden Street, Felicissima Village, Barangay Mojon.
Casauay was last seen on January 24, which coincided with his birthday, the same day he reportedly went missing in the area. His wife formally reported his disappearance to the police the following day, January 25.
Initial police investigation revealed that a suspect identified as alias “Mark” allegedly confessed and led authorities to the location where the victim’s body was concealed. Investigators said Casauay and his asset, Julian Salamat alias “Mon,” were involved in a heated altercation that escalated into a shooting.
Residents in the area told authorities they heard multiple gunshots at around 2:00 p.m. on January 24, but initially dismissed the noise, believing it was related to police activity.
During hot pursuit operations, police arrested PCpl. Vivencio Abalos and Oliver Paul Mauricio, 32, who were both previously linked to illegal drug activities in 2023. Meanwhile, Julian Salamat, alleged to be the gunman, Orlan Mauricio, and eight John Does were identified as suspects and remain at large.
Further investigation and case buildup are ongoing. /ia
