TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE(February 9) — A nationwide police dragnet tightened this week after a man wanted in the killing of a police officer in Malolos, Bulacan surrendered to authorities in Tagum City, highlighting growing coordination between law enforcement units across regions.
The suspect yielded at the Tagum City Public Terminal in Barangay Magugpo West on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, following coordinated efforts involving a confidential informant, the Digos City Police, and the Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI).
Police said the suspect reached out to an informant known only as “Jay,” confessed his involvement in the killing, and requested a meeting at the Tagum Bus Terminal. Acting swiftly, personnel from the Digos City Police Station traveled to Tagum and took the suspect into custody. By 10 a.m., he was formally turned over to the Tagum City Police Station for processing.
A case that crossed regions
With the latest surrender, the number of suspects in custody in the murder of Staff Sgt. Renato Casauay Jr. has risen to seven, police said, while four suspects remain at large.
Casauay, assigned to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 3, was killed on January 24. His body was later found stuffed inside a septic tank in Barangay Mojon, Malolos City, on January 31—a discovery that sparked a multi-regional manhunt.
Police officials said the case underscores how suspects can no longer rely on distance to evade arrest.
Seamless handoff
PRO XI Director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete praised the close coordination between police units in Mindanao and Luzon, noting that the surrender reflects stronger information sharing and field cooperation.
“This voluntary surrender reflects the effectiveness of our continuous engagement efforts and the public’s growing trust in the police,” Rosete said.
Authorities said coordination is already underway with the Malolos City Police for the suspect’s transfer to Bulacan and the filing of appropriate charges.
As the hunt continues for the remaining suspects, police stressed that the case sends a clear signal: crimes committed in one region will be pursued nationwide, with local police units working together to close gaps and bring suspects to justice.
