MANILA, Philippines — The driver of the vehicle used to ferry the bodies of beauty contestant Geneva Sarita Lopez and her Israeli partner to Tarlac where they were buried informed authorities of the burial site because he was bothered by his conscience, an official said Sunday.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Major General Leo Francisco said that the driver, identified as “Jess,” was one of the persons of interest in the case.
The two policemen implicated in the case have been arrested and are in police custody.
“Jess” told Francisco that he was bothered by his conscience, prompting him to show authorities the location where Lopez and Yitshak Cohen were buried.
“Jess” said that he was hired to drive the SUV for the two principal suspects who were said to be policemen on AWOL (absent without official leave).
He said that he was surprised when he saw two bodies at the back of the SUV. Fearing for his safety, he did what he was told by the two policemen.
He said he told the suspects of a place where to bury the bodies, and they proceeded to a quarry in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas Tarlac.
Francisco clarified that while “Jess” is now a state witness, he is not yet off the hook.
He added that the two AWOL police officers are in the custody of the CIDG and will be presented to the media on Monday.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil gave assurances that justice will be served to the families of Lopez and Cohen.
PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said that authorities now have five persons of interest in the case.
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