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Authorities have made a major breakthrough in the tragic deaths of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael, as a new suspect has surrendered and investigators say they have identified a possible motive.

At a press briefing on Monday, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that police now know the motive and have identified the individuals involved, with formal charges expected to be filed in the coming days.

A new suspect’s voluntary surrender brings the number of people in custody to four, including a car agent believed to be the last person to see the victims alive, her partner — a dismissed police officer — and the victims’ husband, Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, who turned himself in for questioning. Authorities emphasize that the legal process is ongoing, and formal charges have not yet been filed against all suspects.

Investigators are examining whether a dispute over a car sale and possible scam allegations involving the prime suspect may have played a role in the tragic deaths. Police continue to piece together the timeline of events after the mother and son were reported missing on January 19 and later found deceased in separate locations in Bulacan and Tarlac.

The PNP urges the public to wait for the full disclosure of details, noting that the identification of a motive and multiple suspects in custody marks a significant step toward holding those responsible accountable.