The Lopez family expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped and spent time searching for their loved one. They also requested privacy during their time of mourning to cherish their final moments with Geneva.
Geneva Lopez, a beauty pageant contestant from Pampanga, was found buried alongside her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen in a remote area in Tarlac after a two-week search.
To accommodate those who could not visit the chapel in Minalin where Geneva's urn is kept, the family set up a sanctuary at their home for mourners.
According to Atty. Jon Lacanlale, the family's legal counsel, Geneva’s relatives are now living in fear since two former police officers are among the persons of interest in the case.
"Noong nalaman nila na ‘yung isa o dalawa na person of interest ay dating mga pulis ay mayroon na pong takot, hindi mawawala ‘yung agam-agam sa kanila ‘yung takot," Lacanlale said.
The autopsy results revealed that both Geneva and her Israeli boyfriend, Yitshak Cohen, suffered two gunshot wounds each.
"Makikiusap kami sa PNP (Philippine National Police) at NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) kung pwede kami mabigyan ng details at documents mga evidence that we could use to file a case, ‘yun na lang ang kulang namin sa ngayon," Lacanlale said.
PNP Spokesperson PCOL. Jean Fajardo said the two former police officers are now in police custody.
The former officers were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Another suspect was apprehended on July 4, and a fourth voluntarily surrendered.
"Pangako po ng ating Chief [ng] PNP na sisiguraduhin po natin na mapapanagot po ang lahat po ng may sala dito," Fajardo said.
Geneva's friends and family remember her as kind-hearted, helpful, and cheerful. Known for her willingness to offer emotional and spiritual support, Geneva was cherished by those close to her.
"Willing siya parati tumulong emotionally, spiritually at kung ano man pwede niyang maitulong… kung meron lang wish, palit na lang kami, ganon ako ka-willing na ipagpalit ang buhay ko kapalit kung nasaan siya ngayon," Lian Dasco, Geneva's best friend, said.
Geneva and Cohen were found buried in a remote area in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac on July 6, 2024 after being missing for over two weeks.
