Three Additional Suspects Apprehended in Brutal Police Sergeant Murder Case
Philippine law enforcement authorities have made significant progress in a high-profile criminal investigation, arresting three more individuals connected to the brutal killing of Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr. The victim's remains were discovered dumped in a septic tank, sending shockwaves through the community.
Details of the Arrests and Investigation
During a press conference held at Camp Crame on Friday, February 6, 2026, Bulacan Provincial Police Office director Police Colonel Angel Garcillano provided crucial updates on the case. The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects in custody to seven out of eleven identified individuals involved in the heinous crime.
The newly apprehended suspects include Julian Salamat, who was captured at the Tagum City Public Terminal in Davao del Norte on February 4, 2026. According to Garcillano, Salamat undertook an extensive journey across multiple Philippine regions following the incident.
"From Bulacan, he went to Manila and boarded a plane to Cebu. From Cebu, he traveled by land to Dumaguete City. From Dumaguete City, he also traveled by land to Misamis, Lanao, and Tagum," Garcillano explained, detailing the suspect's attempted escape route.
The two other arrested individuals are Albert Maglinis, apprehended in Isabela on February 4, and Marvin Nolasco. All three suspects now face serious charges related to the murder and subsequent disposal of the police officer's body.
Chilling Details of the Crime
The investigation has revealed that Julian Salamat allegedly gunned down Police Staff Sergeant Casauay inside a residence in Malolos City, Bulacan on January 24. The other suspects reportedly served as accomplices in the disposal of the victim's body, which was recovered from a septic tank six days after he was reported missing.
Police have successfully recovered crucial evidence, including the firearm used by Salamat to kill Casauay and the victim's motorcycle. These items are expected to play a significant role in the prosecution of the case.
Drug Connection Emerges as Possible Motive
In a disturbing revelation, Garcillano disclosed that all arrested suspects tested positive for illegal drugs during processing. The police official provided insight into the possible motive behind the killing, suggesting it may be directly related to the victim's law enforcement activities.
"In his affidavit, Salamat described events that align with the actions and accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Casauay in their drug trade. Even the other suspects who gave their extrajudicial confessions admitted that they were affected by the accomplishments and intelligence activities of our victim. So we are looking at the possibility that this killing had no other motive but was job-related," Garcillano stated during the press conference.
This development points to a potentially dangerous intersection between law enforcement duties and criminal retaliation, highlighting the risks faced by police officers engaged in anti-drug operations.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The case continues to develop as authorities work to apprehend the remaining four suspects still at large. The brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of multiple individuals have drawn significant public attention, raising concerns about police safety and criminal justice in the region.
Local communities in Bulacan and surrounding areas remain vigilant as law enforcement intensifies efforts to bring all responsible parties to justice. The recovery of Casauay's decomposing body from such a degrading location has added emotional weight to an already tragic situation.
