Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced Tuesday that the double murder case of a police officer and her young son is considered “case closed” after investigators linked the killings to a P450,000 robbery.

Senior Master Sgt. Diane Mollenido of the National Capital Region Police Office and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael, were killed after visiting the home of Mollenido’s wedding godchildren on 16 January to collect payment for a vehicle sale.

“For a sum of P450,000, a mother and son were killed,” Remulla said during a press briefing at Camp Crame. “According to our investigation, this is considered case closed and charges will be filed.”

Authorities identified the primary suspects as Pia Katrina Chua Panganiban and her husband, dismissed police officer Christian Suarez Panganiban. Two others — accomplice Gil Valdemoro Dy Jr. and Christian’s sibling, Maribel Suarez Panganiban — are also facing charges.

Investigators said the crime was fueled by greed. Mollenido had entrusted Pia, acting as a sales agent, to sell her Toyota Innova. The policewoman intended to use the proceeds to purchase a Mitsubishi Montero that the suspects claimed was available. Police later discovered the Montero did not exist.

Remulla detailed the brutal nature of the 16 January killings at the Panganiban residence in Novaliches. Mollenido died from a gunshot wound to the head while seated, while her son was suffocated with a plastic bag and strangled. The crimes occurred while the suspects’ three young children were inside the house.

The suspects allegedly used a Toyota Fortuner to transport the bodies, staying at a motel in Fairview and traveling to Laguna before abandoning the remains. Mollenido’s body was found 24 January in Bulacan, and her son’s body was recovered five days later in Tarlac.

While the primary case is settled, Remulla said the victim’s estranged husband, John Mollenido, remains under restrictive custody as a person of interest.

“He is not yet off the hook,” Remulla said, citing the husband’s “lack of remorse” and his attempts to bypass an autopsy by insisting on immediate cremation. P/Lt. Col. Randy Glenn Silvio noted that John Mollenido was previously booked for obstruction of justice, though the victim’s sister later withdrew the complaint.

Meantime, PNP Chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended investigators for resolving the case, which has now been referred to the proper court for prosecution of robbery with homicide.