Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17776902121041777690208159.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The interment of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her 8-year-old son, John Ysmael, on February 5, 2026. <em>Handout/NCRPO</em></span></span></span>MANILA — The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered the dismissal of a police officer after finding him administratively liable for grave misconduct, neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer in connection with the deaths of his wife and young son earlier this year.</div><p>In a decision issued by the Commission En Banc, Police Senior Master Sergeant John L. Mollenido was held accountable for actions linked to the handling of the deaths of his estranged wife, Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido, and their eight-year-old son in January 2026.</p><p>Case records show that the decomposing body of Diane Marie Mollenido was discovered in Pulilan, Bulacan on January 24, 2026. Days later, the remains of their son, John Ysmael, were found in Victoria, Tarlac. Autopsy findings indicated that the mother died from a gunshot wound, while the child <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/30/autopsy-shows-son-of-slain-policewoman-died-from-suffocation-1411">died due to asphyxia.</a></p><p>Despite the ongoing police investigation, authorities found that Mollenido facilitated the immediate cremation of both victims. He reportedly signed the authorization for cremation and proceeded with the process before the completion of required medico-legal examinations, resulting in the destruction of potential evidence.</p><p>The Commission said the act violated Presidential Decree No. 1829, which penalizes obstruction of justice, including the destruction or concealment of evidence. It also cited breaches of NAPOLCOM Memorandum which outlines administrative offenses among police personnel.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/1/cop-husband-arrested-as-suspect-in-disappearance-and-death-of-mollenido-son-1334">Cop husband in custody over disappearance and death of Mollenido, son</a></div><p>“The actions of the respondent showed a blatant disregard of established legal procedures and the fundamental duty of a police officer to uphold the law,” the Commission said in its ruling.</p><p>Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Ralph Calinisan stressed the gravity of the offense, stating: “Kapag ang isang pulis mismo ang sumisira sa ebidensiya at humahadlang sa katotohanan, hindi lamang batas ang nilalabag kundi ang mismong katarungan. Hindi natin papayagan na ang uniporme ay maging pananggalang sa pananagutan.”</p><p>Given the seriousness and multiple violations cited, the Commission imposed the penalty of dismissal from the police service, along with accessory penalties under existing rules.</p><p>NAPOLCOM reiterated its commitment to enforcing discipline and accountability within the Philippine National Police, emphasizing that no officer is above the law.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/25/suspects-in-killing-of-policewoman-son-allege-irregularities-in-their-arrest-1945">Suspects in killing of policewoman, son allege irregularities in their arrest</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>LEGAL COUNSEL PUSHES BACK</strong> </div><p>Atty. Cristobal Rimando, representing Mollenido, said he was taken aback by the Commission En Banc’s decision ordering his client’s dismissal over alleged obstruction of justice and grave misconduct tied to the deaths of the officer’s wife and son.</p><p>“My client has been relieved by the Office of the Prosecutor of Quezon City, that means my client has no intent of ruining, damaging , or even to obstruct evidence,” Rimando said, emphasizing what he described as a key element missing in the case, intent.</p><p>The lawyer acknowledged that Mollenido signed the authorization for the cremation of the victims’ remains, an act cited by NAPOLCOM as leading to the destruction of potential evidence. However, Rimando insisted the action was done within legal bounds.</p><p>“Number 2, yes my client signed this authorization letter that allows cremation but this is only with applicable laws and regulation. That means to say, there is an instruction from my client to follow rules and regulation. This also mean that my client respects policy and procedure as a police officer, that&#x27;s what it is,” he said.</p><p>Rimando argued that the Commission’s ruling failed to properly consider the legal requirements for obstruction of justice.</p><p>“That’s why I’m shocked with the decision. The decision disregarded the elements of obstruction of justice, number one there is intent, there is no intent whatsoever,” he added.</p><p>The defense is now preparing to challenge the ruling through all available legal channels.</p><p>“We will appeal definitely, we will appeal all legal remedies, if we are gonna be going to the Supreme Court will we do this,” Rimando said.</p><p>He confirmed that elevating the case to the Supreme Court remains an option as they seek to overturn the dismissal and clear his client’s name.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KFFi2W7yvlM?si=K-Bm_9g8H33KggN7" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered the dismissal of a police officer after finding him administratively liable for grave misconduct, neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer in connection with the deaths of his wife and young son earlier this year.</p>

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered the dismissal of a police officer after finding him administratively liable for grave misconduct, neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer in connection with the deaths of his wife and young son earlier this year.

Cop husband dismissed for alleged obstruction of evidence in Mollenido, son killings

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Cop husband dismissed for alleged obstruction of evidence in Mollenido, son killings

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 02, 2026 11:38 AM PHT

Read More:

NAPOLCOM

PMSg John Mollenido

Ralph Calinisan

dismissal

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