MANILA – Authorities have identified the primary suspects in the killing of a Bulacan policewoman and her young son, with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) pointing to a car dealer and her partner as the masterminds behind the crime.
DILG secretary Jonvic Remulla said during a media briefing Tuesday that investigators also consider the partner’s sister and another individual as accomplices in the case.
At the same time, police are still assessing the possible role of the victims’ family members. Remulla confirmed that the slain officer’s husband, Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, remains a person of interest as the probe continues.
“Ayon sa aming imbestigasyon, considered case closed na ito at charges will be filed,” Remulla said.
Authorities believe the killings were triggered by a failed vehicle transaction valued at around P450,000.
Police records show that Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael, were last seen on January 16. They were officially reported missing three days later by Mollenido’s husband.
Diane’s body was recovered on January 24 from a creek in Pulilan, Bulacan, with investigators confirming she had been shot in the head. Her son’s remains were later found on January 29 at a calamansi plantation in Victoria, Tarlac.
Initial findings from the Southern Police District revealed that the victims had gone to Quezon City to meet the car agent connected to the transaction. Authorities said the agent was the policewoman’s godchild.
Police later secured a search warrant for the suspect’s residence in Quezon City, which was identified as the last place where Diane was seen alive. Traces of blood were discovered inside the house, according to investigators.
One of the suspects has claimed to have seen the scene following the shooting at the home of the car dealer and her partner on the night of January 16.
Officials said formal charges are now being prepared as the case moves toward prosecution./PN
