Casaway killing ‘solved,’ manhunt continues

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has declared the death of Staff Sgt. Renato Casaway “solved,” even as authorities continue to pursue remaining suspects.

Casaway was found dead inside a septic tank in Barangay Mucon, Malolos, on 31 January. He was last seen on his birthday, 24 January, when he was supposed to meet an asset in Malolos but never returned home.

The DILG reported that Casaway sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head and two to the hands, suggesting he tried to resist his attackers.

Investigators said the perpetrators cleaned the crime scene and disposed of Casaway’s body in the septic tank to avoid detection. Some local witnesses, including tricycle drivers, reportedly heard gunshots but did not intervene.

Authorities believe the killing is linked to Casaway’s alleged interference in the operations of a syndicate, particularly drug-related activities tied to Oliver Mauricio.

Julian Salamat, who reportedly viewed Casaway as a threat, is believed to have ordered the killing.

The DILG said investigators are collecting CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and examining Casaway’s mobile phone through a cyber warrant. Extrajudicial confessions from arrested suspects have also confirmed their role in cleaning up the crime scene.

A P1-million reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of Salamat and other co-conspirators.

Salamat, identified as the main suspect, is reportedly a member of the Black Riders Force Multipliers. Others implicated include Oliver Mauricio, owner of the house where Casaway was killed; Arvin Santiago and Nick Convoy, who allegedly helped conceal the crime; and Cpl. Vivencio Avalos, a police officer accused of failing to arrest Salamat or report the incident.

So far, four suspects have been arrested, while seven remain at large. Manhunt operations are ongoing.