Two suspects linked to the killing of Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., whose body was discovered inside a septic tank in Malolos, Bulacan, have surrendered to authorities, according to police reports. The case continues to unfold as investigators pursue the alleged mastermind.

MALOLOS, Bulacan — February 4, 2026 — Local police confirmed that two suspects in the brutal slay of PSSg Renato Casauay Jr. voluntarily surrendered on Wednesday amid mounting pressure and a ₱1 million bounty offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved. 

Casauay, who went missing last week, was found dead and buried in a septic tank in Malolos, shocking the community and sparking a manhunt for the perpetrators.

Authorities believe the killing was an act of retaliation against Casauay, who had led a successful anti-drug operation in December 2025. Police said the suspects are now under custody and will face charges of murder and obstruction of justice. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served for our fallen comrade,” Malolos police chief Lt. Col. Karen De Guzman stated.

Investigators are still hunting down the primary gunman, identified as Mon Salamat, who remains at large. The ₱1 million reward for his capture remains active, with police urging the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest.

The death of Casauay has drawn widespread condemnation from law enforcement groups and the public, highlighting the dangers faced by police officers in the fight against illegal drugs. Officials assured that witness protection measures are being implemented to safeguard those who may testify in the case.

As the investigation continues, the surrender of the two suspects marks a significant step forward, but authorities stressed that the pursuit of justice will not end until all those responsible are held accountable. The case underscores the risks faced by frontline officers and the urgent need to strengthen measures against violent retaliation from criminal groups.

Bounties, Fear, and the Limits of Protection

Bounties are often framed as tools for justice, but they also reveal something darker: a climate where fear runs deep enough that truth needs a price tag to surface. In violent cases, silence is rarely accidental.

The reliance on rewards and witness protection reflects a system operating under intimidation, where cooperation becomes risky and information is treated like contraband. Public safety then depends not only on police work, but on whether civilians believe the state can shield them afterward.

If people need protection just to speak, how secure is the justice system beyond this case?