Suspected bodies of missing couple found; ex-cop may be involved

MANILA – A police officer on AWOL (absent without official leave) status is being implicated in the disappearance of beauty pageant candidate Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend.

The development came up after Criminal Investigation and Detection Group agents recovered on Saturday morning two bodies in a remote area in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac, believed to be Lopez of Pampanga, 27, and her partner, Yitzhak Cohen, 37.

In a radio interview, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said the cadavers are most likely the missing couple.

"Tinitingnan lang namin for autopsy ito ngayon ng NBI (The bodies will undergo autopsy by the National Bureau of Investigation) as requested ng pamilya (by the family)," Abalos said.

Investigators previously said the suspect served as middleman in the couple's supposed purchase of an agricultural land in Capas.

The couple were to meet the still unidentified seller on June 21 but has not been seen since.

The sports utility vehicle they used were later found burnt.

"May lumabas nga na mga testigo at tinuro nga itong libingan na ito dito sa Tarlac. Ilalabas na lang namin ang buong detalye siguro mga Lunes. Iniipon pa talaga lahat ito (There are witnesses who pointed to the grave site. We will disclose all details maybe on Monday. We're still compiling data)," Abalos said.

Abalos emphasized the government's commitment to justice.

"This heartbreaking discovery underscores our unwavering resolve to bring justice to all victims. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable. Justice will be served," he said. (PNA)