11 suspects charged in Malolos septic tank killing; journalist questioned

Several of the 11 suspects in the killing of a police officer whose body was found in a septic tank in Malolos, Bulacan have been formally charged.

Charges were filed on Saturday, 31 January, following the arrest of Police Corporal Vivencio Abalos of the Malolos City Police Station, along with Nick James Comboy alias “NJ,” Arvin Santiago, and Oliver Paul Mauricio. The suspects were arrested after authorities recovered the nearly decomposed body of Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr. six days after he was reported missing.

Veteran Bulacan-based journalist Orlan “Orly” Mauricio is also being questioned after his son, Oliver Mauricio, was taken into police custody and identified as an accomplice in the crime.

The Malolos police declined to provide further details but said the investigation is ongoing. Authorities added that the motive behind the killing may be work-related.