The double murder of Police Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her 8-year-old son, John Ysmael, is now considered “case closed,” the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday, after authorities identified the suspects behind the killings.

During a press briefing, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla named the four individuals implicated in the murders: Pia Katrina Panganiban, her husband and dismissed Caloocan police officer Christian Panganiban, Maribel Suarez Panganiban, and Gil Valdemoro Jr.

According to the investigation, the primary suspect, Pia Katrina—who was the godchild of Mollenido—allegedly the prime suspect who orchestrated the killing over a financial dispute.

According to the investigation, Mollenido sold a Toyota Innova to Pia for ₱450,000. What was initially a straightforward transaction, however, allegedly escalated into an assault involving the mother and her child.

"Ayon sa imbestigasyon, ang gumawa ng krimen ay ang kanyang inaanak sa kasal… Pinatay si Dianne Marie Mollenido sa pamamagitan ng gunshot wound...Ang kanyang anak po na si John Ismael ay ginapos ang ulo ng plastic bag at namatay dahil sa pananakal," Remulla said.

"Sa halagang P450,000 ay pinatay ang mag-ina. Ayon sa aming imbestigasyon, considered case closed na ito at charges will be file," Remulla added.

The investigation further revealed that Pia Katrina and her husband, former policeman Christian Panganiban, allegedly shot Mollenido and then suffocated the child by wrapping him in plastic.

Meanwhile, the third and fourth suspects were later arrested and inquested as co-suspects.

The suspects were briefly presented to the media at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Earlier, Pia Katrina denied involvement in the crime.

Meanwhile, the victim’s husband, PSMS John Mollenido, is still under investigation. Contrary to previous reports by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) suggesting he had been cleared, Remulla clarified that he remains in the custody of authorities.