DILG names suspects behind murder of beauty queen Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has named the suspects behind the death of beauty queen Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen.
In a press conference livestreamed on Facebook on July 8, DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, accompanied by officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said ex-cops Michael Guiang and Rommel Aboso, as well as civilian Jeffrey Santos, were suspects behind the deaths Lopez and Cohen.
"Itong tatlong ito, kasama ang dalawang nag-voluntary surrender sa kapulisan, sina alyas 'Junjun' at 'Dondon,'" Abalos said.
There are still two others at large.
Guiang and Aboso were dismissed from service in 2020 and 2019, respectively, after going absent without official leave.
Abalos also presented to the media the ex-cops, though they had their faces covered.
"Pinapakita lang namin sila just to inform everyone na ito na ho, ano. Ginagawa ng pulis ang lahat para masolusyonan ito," he said.
The secretary also noted that the three suspects are under custody but for other cases. They had been arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, said PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Leo Francisco, and forensic cross-matching is underway.
The criminal complaints for two counts of murder against Guiang, Abuso, and other suspects are expected to be filed within the next two days.
"Halos tapos na po ang kaso. May iba na lamang silang (PNP) ginagawa para makumpleto ito at tuluyang mai-file na ang kaso," Abalos said. "Mananagot talaga ang dapat managot dito."
According to Francisco, Guiang pawned land to Lopez and she's already trying to seize the property. Guiang, however, allegedly said there's a buyer, Aboso, whom he would introduce to her.
"From that point, nagkita sila sa Barangay Armenia at binaril ng dating pulis na ito ang magkasintahan," Francisco said, noting it was a "planned activity."
Francisco noted that "Junjun" was initially involved in the crime but, after a change of heart, approached the CIDG to provide information about the incident.
On July 6, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda confirmed the deaths of Lopez and Cohen after authorities found two human remains in a remote area earlier in the day.
They were reported missing by her family on 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 buy in Capas. Guillan allegedly met with them and accompanied them to the property.
The following day, Capas Fire Station responded to a car fire on the road on Tarlac. Lopez’s belongings, including her ID card, were discovered in the burnt sports utility vehicle.
The Embassy of Israel in Manila, meanwhile, thanked Philippine authorities for their efforts in investigating and locating the couple
It said that it's already in contact with Cohen's family and is assisting in ensuring the return of his remains to Israel.
Lopez joined Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 as the representative of Sto. Tomas. (with reports from Mark Ernest Villeza)