Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla today announced major developments in the case involving the killing of Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., as the Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully arrested multiple suspects and recovered the firearm used in the crime.

Casauay, a member of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group’s Special Operations Unit 3, was killed on Jan. 24. His body was recovered from a septic tank in Felicisima Village in Barangay Mojon, Malolos City on Jan. 31.

In a press conference, Remulla said the primary suspect in the murder, earlier seen in CCTV footage, was arrested in Tagum City, Mindanao, following intensified police operations.

“Our PNP moved decisively. Shortly after our press conference last week, three named suspects in the case were arrested one after the other,” he said.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Nartatez confirmed that the suspects were apprehended in separate operations in Tagum, Isabela, and another location. All have undergone inquest proceedings in connection with the case. “We believe conviction will be ensured.”

Remulla said any act of violence against police officers will not go unanswered. “It is unacceptable that a person in service is hurt and we do not act. We will exhaust all efforts to ensure that anyone who harms or kills a police officer will be held accountable,” the SILG said. “All 225,000 members of the PNP will go after anyone who hurts our police officers. They will answer to us.”