Authorities unearthed two bodies on Saturday morning in Capas, Tarlac, believed to be those of missing Mutya ng Pilipinas-Pampanga candidate Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend, Yitshak Cohen.
Discovery of Bodies
“The remains of the victims were brought to Lotus Funeral located at Brgy. San Vicente, Tarlac City, and will be subjected to an autopsy examination and DNA testing/analysis to confirm their identities,” the DILG stated.
Investigation and Identification
Earlier, the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted a search operation after a warrant was issued by the Tarlac City Regional Trial Court-Branch 111 on July 5, 2024. Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda announced on Facebook that the bodies were identified based on the victims’ clothes and personal belongings.
Background on the Case
Lopez was last seen on June 21, heading to Capas to inspect a property they were considering purchasing. Her belongings were discovered partially burned inside an abandoned SUV in Tarlac on June 22.
Family and Community Response
GMA Integrated News reached out to the families of Lopez and Cohen, who were present at the funeral parlor where the bodies were taken.