Taguig city: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has declared the case of the murders of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her son, John Ysmael, as resolved with the arrest of four suspects. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced during a press briefing that the case is considered closed and charges are set to be filed against the accused.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mollenido and her eight-year-old son were reported missing on January 19, 2026, after they left their home in Taguig City on January 16 to meet a car agent in Novaliches, Quezon City. Mollenido's body was later discovered on January 24 in a Bulacan creek, while her son's remains were found on January 29 in Tarlac. The primary suspects in the case are car agent Pia Katrina Panganiban and her husband, Christian Panganiban, a former police officer.

The DILG reported that the suspects allegedly committed the murders inside their home while their three minor children were in another room. The children were reportedly present when the bodies were disposed of. The couple's house help and Christian Panganiban's sister are also in police custody for their involvement in the case.

The investigation is also examining the role of Mollenido's husband, John, a fellow police officer. He is under scrutiny for ordering the immediate cremation of her body and allegedly showing no emotion following the incident. However, John's lawyer, Cristobal Rimando, stated that the evidence does not implicate his client in the killings. Rimando emphasized that John's emotional state was a natural response to grief and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has committed to maintaining intervention measures to prevent police misconduct. Acknowledging the involvement of some officers in illegal activities, Nartatez pointed out that the majority of police personnel remain dedicated to their duties. The PNP's intervention programs include spiritual and psychosocial support, as well as policies to discourage illegal activities like gambling and alcohol abuse.

Nartatez assured that the PNP's programs and disciplinary measures are aimed at fostering discipline and integrity within the police force, and efforts to sustain these initiatives are ongoing.