What should have been a joyful family celebration turned into a nightmare that would haunt a family—and shock an entire nation.
On January 24, 2026, Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casaway Jr. woke up expecting nothing more than a simple birthday with his loved ones. He had turned 46 years old, a milestone meant to be marked by laughter, food, and quiet moments with his wife and children. Instead, it became the last day of his life.
Seven days later, after agonizing waiting, desperate searching, and fading hope, his family received the answer they never wanted: his decomposing body had been found cemented inside a septic tank behind a house in a subdivision in Barangay Mohon, Malolos City, Bulacan.
A Simple Goodbye That Became Permanent
That morning, at around 8:30 a.m., Sergeant Casaway told his wife he needed to step out briefly. He explained that he was going to Malolos City to meet an asset related to his work. He promised he would be home soon—after all, it was his birthday.
Wearing a hooded jacket, he left their home in Baliwag, Bulacan, riding his SkyGo 150 motorcycle. His family busied themselves preparing for the small celebration planned for later that day.
Hours passed.
Then more hours.
As daylight faded into evening, concern began to grow. Phone calls went unanswered. Messages were undelivered. Eventually, his cellphone went completely dead.
For a man known to always come home—especially on important family occasions—his absence felt wrong.
The Longest Night
That night became the longest and most painful night his family had ever endured. Every passing minute deepened their fear, yet they clung to hope.
Perhaps he had been called for an emergency operation. Perhaps he was delayed. Perhaps he would still walk through the door.
He never did.
By dawn on January 25, his wife knew something was terribly wrong. With trembling hands and tear-filled eyes, she went to the police station to report her husband missing.
From Missing Person to Grim Discovery
The Baliwag City Police Station immediately issued a flash alarm to locate the missing officer. A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) was formed, signaling that authorities were treating the case with urgency.
At first, it was a missing person case.
But as investigators dug deeper, they would soon uncover a story of betrayal, silence, corruption, and brutal murder—a story darker than anyone could have imagined.
Who Was Renato Casaway Jr.?
Renato Casaway Jr. was a native of Kamalinyugan, Cagayan. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a police officer—not for power or money, but out of a desire to serve.
Before wearing the uniform, he was already known as hardworking, respectful, and determined. As a police officer under Police Regional Office 3 – Drug Enforcement and Special Operations Unit, he gained a reputation for dedication and integrity.
He was a devoted husband, a loving father to two children, and a man who believed deeply in his oath.
In a time when public trust in law enforcement was often tested, Casaway remained firm in his principles. He kept his uniform clean—until the very end.
The Trail Leads to Malolos
Investigators traced his last known destination to a house in Philisima Village, Barangay Mohon, Malolos City. From there, the case began to unravel.
One name surfaced repeatedly: Police Corporal Vevencio Abalos, another officer and the last person known to have contact with Casaway.
Despite knowing that Casaway was missing, Abalos failed to report any information to authorities.
This raised red flags.
On January 30, 2026, Abalos was summoned for questioning.
What followed was the collapse of silence.
A Confession, Then More Questions
According to Abalos, an asset named Julian Salamat had allegedly confessed to him that Casaway had already been killed. The supposed motive? A heated argument that escalated into gunfire.
But investigators were stunned.
If Abalos knew this information, why did he not arrest the suspect?
Why was there no report?
Why was the crime concealed?
The answers pointed toward something far more sinister.
A Witness Breaks the Case Wide Open
Later that same day, at around 6:00 p.m., a man named Mark Vincent de Santar walked into the Malolos City Police Station.
What he revealed changed everything.
Mark Vincent admitted his involvement and led authorities to the exact location where Casaway’s body had been hidden.
The Septic Tank of Horror
At 11:30 p.m., a joint team from PRO-3, Malolos CPS, CIDG, and SOCO arrived at 001 Green Street, Philicisima Village—a house owned by Oliver Paul Mauricio, previously arrested in 2023 for illegal drug involvement.
Behind the modern house was a structure disguised as part of the property. Beneath hardened cement lay the truth.
After hours of digging, at 2:00 a.m. on January 31, police recovered the decomposed body of Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casaway Jr.
He had been dead for seven days.
Evidence Buried With Him
Inside the septic tank, investigators found:
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His helmet
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His firearm ammunition
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Personal belongings
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Blood-stained items
His wife positively identified the body.
No family should ever have to do that.
Autopsy Reveals a Fight to Survive
The autopsy revealed three gunshot wounds.
Two bullets struck his hands—clear signs he tried to shield himself.
The fatal shot penetrated his head.
He fought for his life.
CCTV Footage Tells the Final Moments
Security footage from the house captured the horrifying sequence:
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Casaway arriving at around 10:00 a.m.
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Julian Salamat entering shortly after
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Gunshots echoing
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Blood dripping on the floor
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Multiple people returning to clean the scene
The truth was undeniable.
The Motive: Drugs and Betrayal
Investigators believe Casaway’s murder was linked to illegal drug operations.
He had been part of an operation that led to the arrest of Oliver Paul Mauricio in December 2025. Assets were planted. Information flowed.
But betrayal followed.
Those he trusted turned against him.
Suspects and Manhunt
Four suspects are now in custody, including:
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Oliver Paul Mauricio
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Corporal Vevencio Abalos
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Mark Vincent de Santar
Others, including Julian Salamat, remain at large.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced a ₱1 million reward for information leading to their arrest.
Justice Still Unfinished
Though the case is considered solved, justice remains incomplete while suspects remain free.
Casaway’s remains were cremated and brought back to Cagayan. His family has chosen silence—but not surrender.
They vow to fight until justice is served.
A Hero Remembered
In the shadow of corruption and crime, Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casaway Jr. stands as a reminder:
That there are still police officers who choose integrity.
Who refuse bribes.
Who serve quietly—and die bravely.
His story is tragic.
But his legacy is powerful.
And it must never be forgotten.
