Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. holds a press briefing at the Philippine National Police Headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City on July 8, 2024, to present two former police officers involved in the disappearance and murder of beauty contestant Geneva Lopez and her Israeli partner Yitshak Cohen. Jire Carreon, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the killing of a beauty contestant and her Israeli fiancé could be motivated by a land dispute.

Over the weekend, authorities found the remains of beauty queen Geneva Lopez and her Israeli fiancé Yitzhak Cohen, who have been missing for two weeks.

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Two ex-cops identified as Michael Guiang and Rommel Abuso and a civilian named Jeffrey Santos, all allegedly linked to the murder, have been arrested over a different crime. Two other suspects remain at large. 

Earlier, two individuals who voluntarily surrendered helped in locating the bodies of the victims.

In a press conference on Monday, PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said the couple was possibly killed due to a land dispute with Guiang. 

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Francisco said Lopez was already seizing the land that Guiang pawned to her.

"Yung mag-nobya ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makipagkita kay Guiang dahil si Guiang ay may isinanglang lupa kay Geneva at gusto nang gustong bawiin ni Geneva yung lupa kay Guiang. Pero sinabi ni Guiang na may buyer din yung lupang isinangla niya at ipapakilala niya ito kay Geneva," Francisco said.

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Guiang and his cohorts allegedly arranged a fake meet up to gun down the couple.

"Makikiita nyo it's a planned activity... Ayaw ibigay ni Guiang yung kaniyang isinanglang lupa kay Geneva, na gusto nang bawiin ni Geneva," Francisco said.

Francisco said they are set to file murder charges against Guiang and the other suspects.

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