Photo credit: PNP via PTV

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic killings of beauty pageant candidate Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend, Yitzhak Cohen. A key development came with the surrender of "Jess," the driver for the two former police officers suspected in the case.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco reported that Jess led authorities to the burial site of Lopez, 27, and Cohen, 37, in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac. The bodies, identified by Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, matched the victims' identities.

Jess, in his account, revealed being hired to drive an SUV for the suspects and discovering the bodies during a job. Despite fear for his safety, he complied with their orders.

Francisco disclosed that Jess is now a state witness but may still face charges related to the deaths. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are set to unveil further details on Monday.

Currently, the two former officers are in CIDG custody, with one also apprehended for illegal possession of firearms. CIDG emphasized that Jess's involvement is still under investigation to determine his full role in the case.

PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed that five individuals are now persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Lopez and Cohen were last seen on June 21, reportedly heading to Barangay Armenia in Tarlac City to explore a property purchase.