Cop axed over slain wife, son’s cremation

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer has been dismissed from the service for authorizing the immediate cremation of the bodies of his murdered estranged wife and son.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) said that Senior M/Sgt. John Mollenido was found administratively liable for grave misconduct, neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The Napolcom said Mollenido had the bodies of his estranged wife, Diane Marie, and their son, John Ysmael, cremated immediately even as investigation was ongoing.

Mollenido reportedly authorized the cremation even before medico-legal procedures were completed.

The Napolcom said Mollenido‘s acts resulted in the loss of potential evidence.

Dianne Marie, who was a police senior master sergeant, and her son were allegedly murdered by her godchild, Pia Katrina Panganiban, and her husband, Christian, in Quezon City in January.

The decomposing body of Diane Marie was found in Pulilan, Bulacan on Jan. 24, while John Ysmael was found buried in a farm in Victoria, Tarlac several days later.

Probers said Diane and the boy died from a gunshot wound and asphyxia, respectively.

The Napolcom said Mollenido’s actions violated the law penalizing obstruction of justice.

Napolcom Vice Chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan said Mollenido disregarded established legal procedures and the fundamental duty of police officers to uphold the law.

“If a police officer is destroying evidence and preventing the truth from coming out, he is not only violating the law, but justice itself,” Calinisan said.