Napolcom lauds PNP over resolution of Mollenido killings, orders parallel probe

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Wednesday commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for resolving the killing of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael—a case that shocked the nation and deeply affected the police community.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Jonvic Remulla earlier said the case is now “considered closed,” with multiple suspects already in custody.

In a statement, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan lauded the PNP for its swift, coordinated, and determined response in solving the crime.

“Ikinararangal namin ang mabilis at masusing trabaho ng PNP sa pagresolba ng kasong ito. Ngunit dahil may pulis na sangkot, tungkulin ng NAPOLCOM na tiyaking mas mahigpit, mas patas, at mas malinaw ang pananagutan,” Calinisan said.

The victims were reported missing in January 2026 after leaving their residence in Quezon City in connection with a vehicle transaction. Days later, their bodies were discovered in separate locations, with forensic examinations indicating death by asphyxia.

Police investigations led to the arrest of several suspects linked to the transaction, including a car agent and her partner. Authorities later also arrested Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, the husband of the slain policewoman and father of the child, after he was identified as a suspect in the case.

Criminal proceedings are now underway as investigators work to establish full accountability for the crime.

In view of the alleged involvement of a police officer, Calinisan ordered the NAPOLCOM Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) to immediately take cognizance of the case, conduct a parallel administrative investigation, and fully cooperate with police investigators to ensure a thorough, impartial, and credible process.

“Para malinaw: tatamaan ang dapat tamaan. Kapag may pulis na nasasangkot, lalong dapat maging mahigpit at patas ang pananagutan. Bilang Pulis ng Pulis, sisiguruhin ng NAPOLCOM na walang pagtatakip at walang sasantuhin sa paghahanap ng katotohanan,” he said.

NAPOLCOM reaffirmed its support for the PNP in bringing all responsible parties to justice, while underscoring its commitment to preserving the integrity of the police service and upholding human dignity.