January 30, 2026 — Autopsy results have confirmed that John Ysmael “Maeng” Mollenido, the eight-year-old son of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido, died of asphyxia by suffocation, according to the Central Luzon Police.

The child’s body was discovered on January 29 at a calamansi farm in Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac, five days after his mother was found dead in a creek along the Pulilan–Baliuag Bypass Road in Bulacan. Authorities reported that the boy’s remains were “wrapped in plastic tape,” a detail that has intensified public outrage and grief over the case.

Police investigators said the autopsy results are a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing probe. “The cause of death has been established as asphyxia by suffocation,” Central Luzon Police confirmed, adding that further inquiries are being conducted to determine who is responsible. The discovery of the child’s body came after relatives reported both mother and son missing on January 19, following their last known appearance in Quezon City on January 16.

According to reports, Diane Marie Mollenido, 38, was supposed to meet a car agent in Novaliches before she and her son disappeared. Authorities later found traces of what appeared to be blood inside the house of the car agent, who has since been identified as a person of interest in the investigation. 

Police Lieutenant Margaret Panaga, spokesperson of the Special Investigation Task Group, said the evidence is being examined to establish its connection to the killings.

The tragedy has sparked widespread grief among relatives, friends, and colleagues of the slain policewoman. On social media, family members expressed their anguish and called for accountability. “We are in so muchhh pain. Help us seek Justice!!!” wrote one of Diane Marie’s cousins. Another friend posted: “Justice for Diane and Maeng. They did not deserve this.”

The case has drawn national attention not only because of the brutal circumstances but also due to the victim’s ties to law enforcement. Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, the estranged husband of Diane Marie, identified his son’s body at a funeral home in Tarlac. 

Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to pursuing justice and transparency in the investigation, which now involves multiple police units across Central Luzon.

As the investigation continues, the deaths of Diane Marie and her son have underscored the importance of forensic examinations in uncovering the truth behind suspicious killings. The Central Luzon Police said updates will be released as soon as new findings are available, while the grieving family and community continue to demand justice for the victims. 

Image from Diane Marie Mollenido Facebook