Mastermind Behind the Killing of Geneva Lopez and Her Israeli Boyfriend
GENEVA LOPEZ and YITSHAK COHEN CASE – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified the mastermind behind the killing of the pageant contestant from Pampanga and the Israeli national. According to a report by GMA-7’s 24 Oras on Wednesday night, July 10, 2024, investigations revealed that former police officer Michael Guiang orchestrated the killings.
Police spokesperson, Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, stated, “Kung may pinakamotibo para patayin itong dalawang biktima ay ito talagang si Guiang. Dahil siya po ang kikitain at siya po ang talagang may motibo para patayin. Dahil gusto po niyang mabawi yung kanyang isinanla na lupa na naremata na nga po at nasa pag-aari na ni Geneva.”
The tragic disappearance of Lopez and Cohen occurred on June 21, 2024, in Capas, Tarlac. Their bodies were discovered buried in a quarry site in Capas two weeks later, on July 6, 2024.
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The investigation uncovered crucial details through the surrender of “Alias Junjun,” who admitted to driving the victims’ SUV to Guiang and Abuso, then setting the vehicle ablaze. “Alias Junjun” has since been placed under police custody for his protection.
Meanwhile, Cohen’s remains were repatriated to Tel Aviv, Israel, on the same Wednesday night.
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Further elaborating on the motive, Fajardo added that Guiang’s desire to reclaim the mortgaged land from Geneva sparked a confrontation. He and Abuso allegedly planned to meet with Geneva and Cohen to resolve the dispute. Unfortunately, this led to a fatal encounter where Guiang and Abuso allegedly shot Geneva and Yitshak inside the burning vehicle.
According to an article posted by PEP.ph, Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco, the director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), indicated during a media briefing on Monday, July 8, 2024, that the murder might have been motivated by a land dispute. CIDG is preparing to file charges against the individuals involved in the crime. The case continues to develop as more evidence is gathered to fully establish the motive behind the murder of Geneva Lopez and Yitshak Cohen.