The husband and father of a slain policewoman and her child remain "persons of interest" in the ongoing investigation, with authorities citing a lack of remorse, Department of Interior and local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Tuesday, according to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa.
This is contrary to previous reports by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) suggesting he had been cleared.
During a press conference, Remulla said that Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) John Mollenido, the husband of the victim, has not been cleared of any involvement in the crime and is currently under restrictive custody while the investigation continues.
Based on the investigation, authorities continue to examine the possible participation of both the husband and the father of the slain policewoman. Remulla emphasized that Mollenido’s behavior during questioning raised serious concerns.
“Ang tinitingnan namin na anggulo ng asawa ni Diane na si John Mollenido, si John Mollenido at si Diane ay hiwalay na ng 3 taon. Ngunit noong nalaman na namatay ang kanyang asawa imbes na i-subject to autopsy ay pina-cremate agad kasama ang suot na damit," he said.
“Kapag tinatanong kung anong involvement niya, wala siyang remorse. Hindi umiiyak, hindi malungkot. Asawa’t anak ang pinatay,” Remulla said.
According to the DILG chief, the couple had been separated for three years prior to the incident. However, investigators found it questionable that upon learning of his wife’s death, Mollenido allegedly pushed for the immediate cremation of the bodies—still clothed—without first subjecting them to an autopsy.
“Una, pinilit niyang mag-create agad yung asawa niya…Pangawala, yung interview parang wala siyang remorse. Imagine mo yung anak mo namatay hindi ka naiiyak, parang balewala sa kanya,” Remulla said.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Major General Antonio Aberin confirmed that Mollenido is currently under restrictive custody and remains a person of interest in the case.
Aberin also said that Mollenido has been charged with obstruction of justice due to his actions following the crime.
Meanwhile, Mollenido's lawyer, Atty. Cristobal Rimando acknowledged the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the "fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation" being conducted in relation to the confession made of a suspect against his client.
According to Rimando, Mollenido was placed under "restrictive custody" at the NCRPO Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
During the same briefing, Remulla named the four suspects in the double murder case, which is now considered “case closed.”
