A police officer who had been missing for a week was found dead Saturday inside a septic tank at the home of a suspected drug personality in Bulacan province, according to authorities on Sunday.

The body of Police Staff Sgt. Renato Casauay Jr. was discovered 31 January in a yard in Barangay Mojon, Malolos City. Casauay, a resident of Baliuag City, had been reported missing by his wife on 25 January.

Preliminary investigations suggest Casauay went to the residence, where a verbal altercation escalated into a shooting. Investigators believe the suspects then threw the officer’s body into the septic tank to hide the crime.

The remains were uncovered during a manhunt operation targeting the property owner, who is described by police as a known drug personality. The suspect was immediately arrested and remains in the custody of the Malolos City Police Station.

Authorities are working to determine the exact motive for the killing and are identifying other individuals who may have been involved.

The Malolos City Police said they are currently preparing criminal charges against the compound owner and any other accomplices discovered during the ongoing investigation.