SILG Remulla: Car dealer, partner behind deaths of policewoman, son

The car dealer and her partner were behind the deaths of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday.

At a press conference, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the sister of the car agent’s partner and another accomplice are also considered suspects in the case.

Authorities are still looking into the possible involvement of Diane’s husband, Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, who is being treated as a person of interest, Remulla said.

“Ayon sa aming imbestigasyon, considered case closed na ito at charges will be filed,” Remulla said.

Investigators found that the killings stemmed from a botched vehicle sale transaction worth about P450,000.

The victims were last seen on January 16 and were reported missing on January 19 by John Mollenido.

The policewoman was found dead on January 24 in a creek in Pulilan, Bulacan, with a gunshot wound to the head. Her son's body was discovered on January 29 at a calamansi farm in Victoria, Tarlac.

Based on initial findings, the Southern Police District said Diane and Ysmael were on their way to meet the car agent in Quezon City following the sale of a vehicle. Police said the agent is Diane’s godchild.

Authorities later searched the car agent’s residence in Quezon City—where Diane was last seen alive—by virtue of a search warrant. Blood traces were found inside the house, according to police.

One of the suspects has alleged that he witnessed the aftermath of the shooting at the residence of the car agent and her partner on the evening of January 16.—MCG, GMA Integrated News