PNP finds motive, persons behind deaths of policewoman, son

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has determined the motive and identified the persons behind the deaths of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said complaints are expected to be filed soon, with more details to be disclosed on Tuesday.

“We already have the names of those involved and the motive. We will disclose these tomorrow,” Nartatez said at a press conference, adding that police are already accounting for the suspects or prospective respondents in the case.

“The police are working to ensure that all persons involved—whether individuals or groups—will be held accountable for what they have done,” he said.

So far, four persons have been placed under police custody in connection with the killings, including the victims’ ex-husband and father, Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido.

Also in custody are a car agent and her partner, a former police officer, as well as another suspect.

Ysmael’s body was found on January 29 at a calamansi farm in Victoria, Tarlac, while his mother Diane was earlier discovered dead on January 24 in a creek in Pulilan, Bulacan, with a gunshot wound to the head.

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

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.

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