PNP Acting Chief Directs Full Force Investigation Into Policewoman and Son's Homicide
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has issued a directive to mobilize all available resources to resolve the brutal killing of a policewoman and her eight-year-old son. In a strongly worded statement, Nartatez emphasized the urgency of the case, ordering the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Police Regional Office 3 to prioritize the investigation.
Tragic Discovery of Victims in Separate Locations
The victims have been identified as Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido, a resident of Taguig City assigned to the NCRPO’s Regional Personnel and Records Management Division, and her young son. Mollenido and her son went missing on January 16 after she reportedly sold her private car to a buyer. The policewoman's body was discovered on January 25 in a creek along the Pulilan–Baliuag Bypass Road in Bulacan.
Her remains, wrapped in cloth, black garbage bags, and plastic, were found in a state of decomposition with a gunshot wound to the head. In a separate and equally distressing development, the body of her eight-year-old son was confirmed by his father to have been found in a Calamansi farm in Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac. The boy's body was also wrapped with a black garbage bag and secured with plastic tape.
Formation of Special Investigation Task Group
In response to this heinous crime, a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been created to handle the case comprehensively. Investigators are currently gathering closed circuit television (CCTV) footage and consolidating reports from multiple agencies to piece together the events leading to the deaths. Police General Nartatez expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Ang buong PNP ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ng biktima sa panahong ito ng matinding kalungkutan. We are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation to uncover all the facts surrounding her disappearance and death."
Person of Interest and Ongoing Search Efforts
Investigators have identified a car sales agent as a person of interest, as the victims were last seen alive at his residence. The PNP chief reiterated the priority of the investigation, noting, "Our priority right now is the safe recovery of her son." Although the son's body has been found, the statement underscores the initial urgency of the search. Police personnel are actively conducting search and rescue operations in coordination with local government units and other concerned agencies.
The PNP is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward immediately to assist in the investigation. This case highlights the severe nature of the crime and the PNP's dedication to achieving justice for the victims and their grieving family.
