Greed was the primary motive behind the killing of Police Senior Master Sgt. Diane Marie Mollenido and her 8-year-old son, John Ysmael, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on 3 February 2025.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Remulla said the case is already considered closed following the filing of charges against the suspects.
“Sa mata ko tapos na ang kasong ito,” Remulla said.
Remulla disclosed that Mollenido went to the house of Christian and Pia Panganiban on the night of the killing to collect P450,000, which was supposedly the payment for her Toyota Innova.
Police Lt. Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, who was also present at the briefing, said Mollenido had entrusted the vehicle to Pia Panganiban, whom she identified as her car sales agent.
Silvio said the proceeds from the sale were intended to be used by Mollenido to purchase a Mitsubishi Montero, which she planned to acquire through Pia, whom she considered her godchild.
“Binenta niya ang Innova, may buyer na, on the night of murder. It turned out non existing yung Montero,” Silvio said, referring to the transaction between Mollenido and the Panganiban couple.
Authorities said what transpired later that night will be determined by the courts, as two counts of robbery with homicide have already been filed against Christian and Pia Panganiban, as well as their helper, Gil Valdemoro Dy Jr.
Dy allegedly detailed to investigators how the bodies of the victims were disposed of.
“Sa halagang 450,000 ay pinatay ang mag-ina. Ayon sa aming imbestigasyon, considered case closed na ito at charges will be filed,” Remulla said.
Remulla added that investigators are still examining the possible involvement of Mollenido’s estranged husband, John Mollenido.
“Isa na lang po ang titingnan namin, yung anggulo ng asawa ni Diane na si John Mollenido. Si John Mollenido po at si Diane ay hiwalay na ng tatlong taon,” he said.
Police said Mollenido’s husband remains a person of interest and is under restrictive custody.
“He’s not yet off the hook. Noong nalaman nung namatay ang kanyang asawa imbes na i-subject sa autopsy ay pina-ano kaagad, pina-cremate kaagad kasama ang suot na damit. At nung tinatanong yung John kung ano ang involvement niya, wala siyang remorse,” Remulla said.
Silvio later told the Daily Tribune that John Mollenido had earlier been charged and inquested for obstruction of justice.
“But during the inquest, Daisy Cabres, Diane’s sister, withdrew (as the complainant),” Silvio said.
Philippine National Police Chief Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended police investigators for the swift resolution of the case.
“Motive as explained by investigator and SILG is the sum of money. The case has been referred to proper forum,” Nartatez said.