VICTORIA, Tarlac — The eight-year-old son of a policewoman whose body was recently discovered in Bulacan has also been found dead, according to a police report released on Friday, January 30, 2026.
The body of John Ysmael Mollenido was found “wrapped with plastic tape” at a calamansi farm in Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac. A local resident discovered the child’s remains on Thursday afternoon and immediately reported the finding to the Victoria Municipal Police Station.
Timeline of a Double Tragedy
- January 16: Senior Master Sgt. Diane Marie Mollenido, 38, and her son John Ysmael were last seen alive in Novaliches, Quezon City. They were reportedly on their way to meet a car agent.
- January 19: The Southern Police District (SPD) officially reported the pair as missing.
- January 24: Senior Master Sgt. Mollenido was found dead in a creek in Bulacan.
- January 29: The remains of John Ysmael were discovered in Tarlac, approximately 100 kilometers away from where his mother was found.
The Investigation and Person of Interest The Southern Police District has identified a car agent as a primary person of interest in the case.
- Blood Evidence: During a luminol test conducted last Wednesday, investigators found traces of blood at the car agent’s residence in Novaliches.
- Out of Contact: The agent, who was among the last people seen with the victims, has since gone out of contact with authorities.
- CCTV Backtracking: Police are currently backtracking CCTV footage to trace the movements of the victims and the suspect.
Official Response Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed deep grief over the “double tragedy” and committed full financial and protection assistance to the Mollenido family. “The PNP will provide all forms of assistance, including protection and counseling if necessary,” Nartatez stated. He has ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Police Regional Office Central Luzon (PRO 3) to prioritize the resolution of the case.
Senior Master Sgt. Mollenido was assigned to the NCRPO Personnel and Records Management Division. The motive for the brutal killings remains unknown as investigators continue to pursue leads in both Bulacan and Tarlac.