Remulla says justice assured in killings of policewoman, child, and PNP officer
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla says justice will be served in the killings of PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido, her son, and PSSg Renato Casauay Jr., citing major breakthroughs and near certainty of conviction.
Photo courtesy of PNA
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday assured the public that justice will be delivered in the killings of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, as well as Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr.
At a press conference held at Camp Crame, Remulla reported significant developments in both cases, which he said he already considers “case closed.”
He said Mollenido and her son, John Ysmael, were killed following a vehicle transaction with suspects Pia Katrina Panganiban and Christian Suarez Panganiban, who are now in custody.
“Sa halagang P450,000 ay pinatay ang mag-ina,” Remulla said, citing the alleged motive.
The victims were reported missing on January 16, 2026. Their remains were later found in Bulacan and Tarlac. Remulla said charges will be filed, while Mollenido’s husband, John Mollenido, remains a person of interest.
Meanwhile, Casauay, who was assigned to the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group–SOU 3, was found dead inside a septic tank in Malolos City, Bulacan. He was allegedly shot by Julian “Mon” Salamat.
Four suspects have been arrested in the case, including Police Corporal Vivencio Abalos y Verdadero. Authorities said closed-circuit television footage showed Casauay with Salamat shortly before the killing.
Seven suspects, including Salamat, remain at large, with a P1 million reward offered for information leading to their arrest.
“Sa mata ko lang, tingin ko tapos na itong kasong ito. Certainty of conviction na ito for both cases,” Remulla said.
He stressed that while syndicate groups within the Philippine National Police have been dismantled, questionable transactions continue to surface.
“Sa loob ng hanay, may mga transaksyon na nangyayari na hindi naman dahil sa PNP. Nakakasama lang sila,” he said.
“Ang bawat buhay po ng pulis ay mahalaga sa amin. Hindi po namin pinapamenos kung may mangyari sa aming kapulisan. Ginagawa nila ang kanilang trabaho, napakataas ng tiwala ng mga tao sa kanila. Ang mga ganitong klaseng bagay ay hindi natin pwedeng palusutin,” Remulla added.