Operatives of the CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit, under CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 and in coordination with local police, arrested a notorious suspect in Barangay Care, Tarlac City.
The suspect was apprehended by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for Murder (Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code), issued by RTC Branch 109 of Capas, Tarlac on March 10, 2025. No bail was recommended.
CIDG Director PMGEN Nicolas D. Torre III identified the arrested suspect as Jay, who is now the fourth individual apprehended out of five charged for the murder of Geneva Lopez, a Mutya ng Pilipinas-Pampanga 2024 candidate, and her Israeli fiancé, Yitshak Cohen.
Jay has been tagged as the CIDG’s Most Wanted Person and the Number 1 Most Wanted Person in Region 3.
Case Background:
On July 6, 2024, authorities recovered the bodies of Geneva Sarita Lopez and Israeli national Yitshak Cohen at a quarry site in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac.
Investigations revealed that on June 21, 2024, the couple told Geneva’s sister they were heading to Capas, Tarlac to meet with Police Officer Michael Angelo Guiang regarding a land transaction. That was the last time they were seen alive.
The following day, June 22, 2024, at 2:36 AM, their gray Nissan Terra SUV was found ablaze along the Capas-San Jose Road in Barangay Cristo Rey, Capas. A partially burned document bearing Geneva Lopez’s name was found inside the vehicle.
Following a comprehensive investigation led by CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit—also serving as Assistant Task Group Commander of the activated SITG GENESAAC—a double murder complaint was filed on August 15, 2024, against five suspects: Michael Angelo, Rommel, Jeffrey, Emerson, and Jay.
This led to the issuance of arrest warrants on March 10, 2025, by RTC Branch 109, Capas, Tarlac, resulting in the arrest of four suspects in swift operations conducted between March 17 to 19, 2025.
“This successful investigation and series of arrests highlight the CIDG’s dedication to delivering justice by conducting thorough investigations and ensuring airtight cases against criminals,” PMGEN Torre III stated.
He also lauded the CIDG Tarlac PFU for their outstanding performance. “I commend the men and women of CIDG Tarlac PFU for this remarkable accomplishment. You showed patience and determination from filing the complaint to securing the warrants and arresting these murder suspects.”
PMGEN Torre III concluded with a warning to the remaining fugitive: “Rest assured, your CIDG is relentless in its pursuit of criminals and fugitives. To the one suspect still at large—surrender now. You’re next. The CIDG means business.”