Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is offering a PHP1-million reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman responsible for the killing of Central Luzon police officer Police S/Sgt. Renato Casauay Jr. "The DILG is putting a PHP1 million price tag on the head on the arrest on information leading to the arrest of Mon Salamat and company," DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Casauay's body was discovered with three gunshot wounds inside a septic tank in Malolos City, Bulacan on Saturday. CCTV footage revealed that he was last seen alive in the company of Salamat. In connection with the case, police have arrested four suspects, including Cpl. Vivencio Abalos, while seven others, including Salamat, remain at large.

Remulla stated that investigators have obtained CCTV footage capturing the events surrounding the killing. Although the shooting itself was not recorded on video, audio recordings captured at least five gunshots. Casauay suffered three bullet wounds, one to the head and two to the arms.

Remulla indicated that Salamat and his accomplices are suspected to be involved in illegal drug operations. Central Luzon police chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones connected the killing to a successful anti-drug operation led by Casauay in December, which resulted in the arrest of a member of Salamat's group. "They see him (Casauay) as a problem already for their operation," Pe±ones stated during the briefing.

He further mentioned that at least two witnesses have stepped forward, providing crucial information about the circumstances surrounding Casauay's killing, including the location of his body.