Authorities have confirmed that the body of an eight-year-old boy found in a calamansi farm in Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac on Thursday afternoon, January 29, is the son of a slain police officer found in Bulacan.

Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, the estranged husband of the slain policewoman, confirmed that the child was their son, John Ysmael Mollenido, 8, who was earlier reported missing before being found dead.

The eight-year-old boy was discovered lifeless at around 2:50 p.m. in a calamansi farm in Tarlac. The incident was reported to authorities at about 4:00 p.m. The child’s body was found lying on a grassy portion of the farm.

According to police reports, the cadaver was initially discovered by a resident of Barangay Maluid, where the body was reportedly wrapped in plastic tape at the time it was found.

Meanwhile, the Southern Police District (SPD) said several persons of interest (POIs) are now being investigated in connection with the killing of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diana Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, whose bodies were found in separate locations in Bulacan and Tarlac, according to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort's on Damdaming Bayan.

SPD spokesperson Lt. Margaret Panaga told DZRH News that authorities are still searching for a former car sales agent who allegedly acted as a "middleman" in the sale of the slain police officer’s vehicle.

The agent, who is also reportedly the victim’s wedding godchild, is considered a key person of interest and was allegedly the last person seen with the 38-year-old police officer.

Panaga added that investigators are also determining the ownership of "bloodstains" found inside the house of the said car agent.

Police are likewise looking into the possibility that more than one suspect may be involved in the crime.

The body of the child has been subjected to an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are also investigating the former husband of Mollenido, who is also a police officer and has been identified as another "person of interest." According to Panaga, the slain police officer had previously filed a case for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) against her former spouse due to issues involving financial support.

Authorities said money or financial motive is among the angles being closely examined as the investigation continues.