QC police release footage of suspects in Mollenido killing

The Quezon City Police District released CCTV footage to DAILY TRIBUNE showing the suspects in the killing of Police Senior Master Sgt. Diane Mollenido and her son, John Ysmael, hours after allegedly discarding their bodies on 18 January.

The three-minute video shows Katrina Panganiban and her husband, dismissed police officer Christian Panganiban, leaving a motel with their three children. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the motel was located in Fairview, Quezon City.

Remulla said that after leaving the motel, the family traveled to Pansol, Laguna, where they spent the night on what was described as a family trip.

Katrina Panganiban and her husband were arrested on Tuesday and are currently detained at the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation Unit.

Their three children, whom Remulla said were in a separate room at the family’s house in Novaliches, Quezon City on 16 January, are now under the care of relatives.

“Based on our investigation, this is considered case closed. Charges will be filed,” Remulla said following the arrest of the primary suspects.

Investigators said the Panganibans allegedly attempted to scam Mollenido into buying a sport utility vehicle.

“It turned out the Montero was nonexistent. So we can suppose there was probably a disagreement and this is the motive we are looking at for why [Mollenido] was killed,” said Anthony Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office, during a briefing at Camp Crame on Monday.

Authorities said Mollenido’s husband, Police Senior Master Sgt. John Mollenido, has voluntarily surrendered, while three other suspects are set to undergo inquest proceedings on 7 February.

Police said they are still searching for the firearm allegedly used in the killing.