The bodies of beauty pageant contestant Geneva Lopez and her Israeli fiancé Yitshak Cohen were found in Capas, Tarlac after weeks of search.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago has confirmed that the remains found in Capas, Tarlac are those of Geneva Lopez and her fiancé, Yitshak Cohen, according to a report by GMA News Online.

The remains were found at a vacant lot within a quarry site in Capas town on July 6, 2024.

An autopsy and DNA test were conducted on the bodies.

Despite the bodies being in a state of decomposition, they were identified by their family through clothing and body marks. 

"So natagpuan na nga ang dalawang bangkay at na-identify na ng family. So far nakilala ng family sa kanilang mga kasuotan at mga tatak sa katawan, 'yung mga marka sa katawan," Santiago said.

On July 7, the NBI confirmed the autopsy results. Santiago said both victims sustained two gunshot wounds each. 

"'Yung babae ay may tama ng bala sa dibdib, sa likod ha, sa likod, lumabas sa dibdib, atsaka sa kanyang paa, sa thigh," he said.

"Ang lalaki naman ay may tama ng bala sa dibdib, harapan ang entrance, tumagos sa likod atsaka sa bandang kili-kili," he added.

SUSPECTS

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Super Radyo dzBB that suspects are now in custody. They are two police officers who had taken unauthorized absences.

“Noong sila'y nahuli at napakaraming mga baril ang nahuli sa mga ito, may detalye at testigo na naturo pa itong lugar kung saan inilibing itong dalawang bangkay,” Abalos said.

SEARCH

The search for Lopez and Cohen began following a warrant issued by the Tarlac City Regional Trial Court on July 5.

They were last seen on June 21 when they traveled to Capas to inspect a property they intended to buy.

The next day, their sports utility vehicle (SUV) was found burning on a road in Capas, with no trace of the couple.

Lopez’s family identified her charred belongings, including an ID card, found in the burned SUV.

On June 27, Cohen’s family had offered a P250,000 reward for information leading to the couple's whereabouts.