DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirms child was an unplanned victim in police officer’s slay

• DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that the murder of 8-year-old John Ysmael Mollenido was a tragic result of him being present during his mother's planned execution
• The victims, Police Senior Master Sgt. Diane Marie Mollenido and her son, were allegedly killed during a fraudulent car transaction in Novaliches on January 16
• Secretary Remulla clarified that while the mother was the primary target of the suspects, the child was killed simply because he witnessed the crime
• Authorities have officially declared the case closed following the arrest of four suspects, including the victim’s goddaughter and a dismissed police officer

In a somber press conference held this Tuesday, February 3, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla shed light on the dark reality behind the Mollenido double murder case. According to the Secretary, the death of 8-year-old John Ysmael was a heartbreaking instance of an innocent bystander being silenced after a planned hit on his mother went south.

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Secretary Remulla explained that the young boy was never meant to be part of the "transaction" that led to the deaths. He was simply accompanying his mother, Police Senior Master Sgt. Diane Marie Mollenido, on what was supposed to be a routine errand. “Pinatay na ’yung nanay at nandun din ’yung bata. Hindi naman dapat talaga kasama ’yung bata sa transaksiyon eh—binitbit lang ng nanay,” Remulla told reporters.

The investigation revealed that the suspects had already plotted to kill the policewoman to steal her vehicle and a large sum of money. However, the presence of the child complicated their plan. Remulla noted, “Eh parang nakaplano na talaga na papatayin ’yung nanay, pinatay na rin ’yung anak.” The child was allegedly suffocated with a plastic bag to ensure no witnesses were left behind.

PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido was a dedicated member of the NCRPO’s Regional Personnel and Records Management Division. She and her son went missing on January 16 after heading to Novaliches to meet her goddaughter, a car agent, regarding a vehicle sale. Her body was later found in a creek in Bulacan, while her son’s remains were discovered five days later in a calamansi farm in Tarlac.

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The tragedy has shocked the police force and the public alike, as the primary suspects identified were people the victim trusted. Among those arrested were the car agent, Pia Katrina Panganiban, and her husband, Christian Panganiban, a dismissed police officer. Secretary Remulla has since declared the case "closed" following the successful apprehension of all individuals involved.

The legal counsel representing the husband of the slain policewoman recently issued a statement regarding his status in the investigation. While he was initially tagged as a person of interest, the law firm clarified the circumstances of his cooperation with the police. The family continues to seek privacy as they navigate the legal complexities of the double murder charges filed against the main suspects.

Shocking revelations emerged after the primary suspect in the killing of PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido was identified as her own goddaughter. Investigators believe the motive was purely financial, stemming from a failed car deal and a substantial amount of cash the victim was carrying. The suspect is currently in custody and facing multiple charges for her alleged role in planning the brutal deaths of both the officer and her young son.

Source: KAMI.com.gh