Taguig cop to appeal dismissal over wife, son's cremation
Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, husband of slain Taguig police officer Diane Marie Mollenido, vowed to appeal his dismissal after the National Police Commission (Napolcom) found him liable for grave misconduct in authorizing the cremation of his wife and son while an investigation was still ongoing.
Diane Marie and her son, eight-year-old John Ysmael, both Taguig residents, went missing on Jan. 16.
Her body was discovered in Pulilan, Bulacan on Jan. 24, while her son's remains were found on Jan. 29 in Victoria, Tarlac.
Napolcom ruled that John Mollenido's decision to sign the cremation authorization before the completion of medico-legal procedures destroyed potential evidence, constituting neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
“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,” Napolcom said in its ruling.
In a statement, Mollenido's lawyer Cristobal Rimando said, “Upon receipt of the official decision, we shall avail of the appropriate remedies available under the applicable appeal rules and exhaust all legal remedies to protect our client’s rights. We respectfully urge the public to allow due process to prevail.”
Rimando said they have not received a copy of the Napolcom decision.
“Accordingly, any public conclusions remain premature pending our receipt and review of the official ruling,” he said.
Rimando said Mollenido “has already been cleared by the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City in relation to the deaths of his wife, Diane Marie Mollenido, and their minor son—negating allegations of criminal intent.”
He stressed that Mollenido merely signed the authorization documents in good faith, while the funeral parlor carried out the cremation.
He added that allegations of obstruction of justice are unfounded, noting the absence of any willful intent to impede the investigation.
“At no point did our client intend to obstruct justice or destroy evidence,” Rimando said.