DILG chief says killing of female cop, son ‘solved’

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

‘CASE CLOSED’. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla leads a press briefing at Camp Crame on Tuesday (Feb. 3, 2026). He said they are considering the killing of Senior M/Sgt. Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son John Ysmael as “case closed” after the four suspects were taken into custody. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is considering the twin killings of a police officer and her son closed following the arrest of four suspects.

“This case is considered closed and charges will be filed,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a press briefing on Tuesday. “This is a slam dunk case.”

Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael, were reported missing on Jan. 19, 2026, after leaving their Taguig City home on Jan. 16 to meet a car agent in Novaliches, Quezon City for a vehicle sale.

Mollenido’s body was found on Jan. 24 in a creek in Bulacan, while her son’s remains were discovered on Jan. 29 in Tarlac.

The primary suspects are car agent Pia Katrina Panganiban and her husband, Christian Panganiban, a dismissed police officer.

Remulla said the suspects killed the victims inside their home while their three minor children were in another room, and even brought the children with them when they disposed of the bodies.

“Meron silang psychopathic criminal tendencies — walang konsensya (They have psychopathic criminal tendencies — they have no conscience),” he said.

Also in police custody are the couple’s house help and Christian Panganiban’s sister.

Husband involved?

According to Remulla, the police are also probing Mollenido’s husband, John, also a police officer, after he allegedly ordered the immediate cremation of her body and reportedly showed no emotion or remorse following the incident.

However, according to lawyer Cristobal Rimando, John’s legal counsel, the evidence gathered during the investigation does not establish that his client had any participation in the killings.

“While our client’s emotional condition in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy was observed, such reaction is a natural human response to profound grief and cannot, in law or reason, be considered evidence of guilt. Emotional distress does not substitute for proof of participation in the alleged offense,” Rimando said in a statement sent to reporters.

John, who is reportedly separated with the victim, remains under the custody of the National Capital Region Police Office.

Measures vs. erring cops

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed to sustain the implementation of intervention measures that would discourage police officers from engaging in all forms of wrongdoings that compromise the integrity of the police organization.

Acknowledging the involvement of police personnel in illegal activities, Nartatez emphasized that there were only a handful of them compared to a significant number who remain committed to their oath of serving and protecting the people.

“We have intervention programs that are designed to protect our personnel that include spiritual and psychosocial assistance for those who need them, aside from the aggressive internal cleansing efforts,” he said.

The intervention measures include programs to prevent and address police addiction to alcohol, gambling, and other personal problems, as well as policies — such as a ban on visiting bars and casinos — aimed at discouraging illegal activities.

“Our programs and disciplinary measures are in place, and we are exerting all the efforts to sustain our gains in instilling discipline and integrity in the PNP organization,” Nartatez said.