PNP says persons of interest behind disappearance of beauty queen Geneva Lopez, Israeli boyfriend have been identified

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they have identified persons of interest behind the disappearance of beauty queen Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen.

In a press briefing on July 2, PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said they cannot give additional details for now but noted that they're pursuing "very good leads."

The PNP has also formed a special investigation task group that will focus on the case of Lopez and Cohen, according to Fajardo. It includes Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Highway Patrol Group, and Anti-Cybercrime Group officers.

Lopez and Cohen have been reported missing by her family since June 21, according to the Angeles City Police Office.

The beauty queen told her relatives that she and Cohen were scheduled to meet with someone to check out a property they were looking to purchase in Capas, Tarlac.

Fajardo said that according to PNP's background check, a former police officer from Angeles served as a middleman in the purchase, and he accompanied Lopez and Cohen to the property.

The police officer then executed an affidavit stating they went their separate ways after the visit.

The Capas Fire Station responded to a car fire on the road last June 22 in Tarlac. Lopez’s belongings, including her ID card, were discovered in the burnt sports utility vehicle.

On June 28, the police used a drone that captured the locations the couple visited, but the search was unsuccessful.

Cohen's family is offering a P250,000 reward to anyone who can provide information about them.

Lopez joined Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 as the representative of Sto. Tomas.