DILG declares Casaway killing ‘solved,’ manhunt continues

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

Casaway was found dead inside a septic tank in Barangay Mucon, Malolos, on 31 January 2026. He was last seen on his birthday, 24 January 2026, when he was supposed to meet an asset in Malolos but never returned home.

The DILG said Casaway sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head and two to the hands, indicating that he may have attempted to resist his attackers.

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

Investigators believe the killing may be linked to Casaway’s alleged interference with the operations of a syndicate, particularly drug-related activities connected to Oliver Mauricio. Julian Salamat, who allegedly viewed Casaway as a threat, is believed to have ordered the killing.

The DILG said investigators are collecting CCTV footage and forensic evidence, executing a cyber warrant to examine Casaway’s mobile phone, and have obtained extrajudicial confessions from arrested suspects regarding the cleanup of 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. Other individuals implicated in the case include Oliver Mauricio, the 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 considered an accessory for allegedly failing to arrest Salamat or report the incident.

Authorities said four suspects have been arrested so far, while seven others remain at large. Manhunt operations are ongoing.