Authorities Offer P1M Reward for Arrest in Police Officer's Murder

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The Philippine government has announced a P1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Julian Salamat, identified as the suspected murderer of S/Sgt. Renato Casauay Jr. His remains were discovered in a septic tank in Malolos, Bulacan, following his murder on January 24. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed the bounty to expedite Salamat's arrest.

Casauay, a member of the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group, was allegedly killed by Salamat during what was supposed to be a meeting with an informant. Investigators believe the murder was a retaliatory act linked to an anti-narcotics operation Casauay conducted in December 2024. This operation led to the capture of a drug trafficker and confiscation of shabu worth P340,000.

Salamat allegedly planned the murder to avenge the drug bust. Following the crime, he and an accomplice confessed to Cpl. Vivencio Abalos, a police officer who failed to report the crime, thus delaying the investigation. Abalos, linked to Salamat through a riders’ group, was later arrested.

Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Rogelio Peñones Jr. reported progress after two witnesses provided crucial information. Subsequent operations led to the arrests of Abalos along with Oliver Paul Mauricio, Nick James Comboy, and Arvin Santiago. These arrests are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Casauay's death.

Moving forward, authorities anticipate that the reward will encourage additional witnesses to assist the investigation and bring Salamat to justice. Police operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend Salamat. Community cooperation is being actively sought to ensure a swift resolution to the case, reported Philstar.

Key Takeaways

• A P1 million reward is offered for information on Julian Salamat.

• The murder allegedly retaliates against a prior anti-drug operation.

• Authorities aim to capture Salamat with community aid and witness help.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Philstar 2026-02-04