PNP identifies motive in brutal double murder of cop and son

• Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that authorities have already identified the motive and the suspects in the killing of Senior Master Sgt. Diane Mollenido and her son
• During a press briefing on Monday Nartatez stated that the agency is currently accounting for the individuals who will soon be formally accused in the tragic case
• The PNP chief expressed his personal disappointment over the involvement of erring individuals in such serious crimes especially those affecting a fellow officer and her young child
• Further details regarding the investigation and the specific names of the involved parties are expected to be released in a follow-up briefing scheduled for Tuesday

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closing in on the individuals responsible for the tragic deaths of a policewoman and her young son. In a press briefing held at Camp Crame on Monday, February 2, 2026, PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that investigators have made "significant updates" in the case of Senior Master Sgt. Diane Mollenido and eight-year-old John Ysmael.

Read also

Law firm clarifies John Mollenido was not arrested in double murder probe

According to Gen. Nartatez, the motive behind the brutal double murder has been established, and the names of those involved have already been listed by the authorities. While he withheld specific details for a separate briefing on Tuesday, he assured the public that the process of accounting for the "soon-to-be accused" is underway.

“We are accounting for the suspects—or soon-to-be accused or respondents—by today in relation to that case,” Nartatez said. “We have significant updates on that. And we already have the names of those involved and the motive.”

The tragedy began when Diane and her son left their home to meet a car agent in Novaliches, Quezon City, on January 16. What was supposed to be a standard business transaction turned into a nightmare. Diane’s body was later found in a creek in Bulacan on January 24, while her son was discovered five days later in a calamansi farm in Tarlac.

Read also

Suspect in Mollenido double murder surrenders, points to co-accused and recounts night of killing

The PNP Chief expressed his dismay that such crimes continue to occur, particularly those involving members or former members of the force. Last Friday, a car agent, her husband—who is a dismissed police officer—and their helper were arrested in connection with the crime.

“If we look at the data, the number is small. But it is still saddening that there are erring officers,” Nartatez remarked, referring to the broader issue of police personnel involved in illegal activities.

Diane Marie Mollenido was a dedicated member of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), assigned to the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division. Known as a hardworking mother, her disappearance alongside her son, John Ysmael, sparked a massive search operation across several provinces. The case has gripped the nation due to the vulnerability of the young child involved and the betrayal of trust allegedly perpetrated by individuals known to the victim.

Read also

Four relatives, including teenagers, gunned down while walking home in Matalam, Cotabato

A major breakthrough occurred when one of the suspects voluntarily surrendered to the Quezon City Police District on Monday. The individual reportedly provided a detailed account of the night the mother and son were killed, even pointing to others allegedly involved in the plot. This testimony is expected to be a cornerstone of the prosecution's case as they piece together the final moments of the victims.

While the investigation continues, the legal camp of Diane’s husband, Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, has issued a statement to clear up confusion regarding his status. Atty. Crisanto Rimando clarified that his client was not arrested but instead voluntarily surrendered to cooperate with the authorities. The law firm emphasized that John Mollenido remains hopeful for due process as he mourns the loss of his wife and child.

Source: KAMI.com.gh