An Israeli citizen and his Filipino girlfriend, a model, have been reported missing in the Philippines, raising alarm bells for both local and international authorities.
As reported by Channel 13, Yitzhak Cohen, 37, and Geneva Lopez, 27, were last seen over the weekend, according to local media reports. In a disturbing development, their car was discovered burned in Angeles City, where the couple resided.
The disappearance came to light when Lopez's sister, Joanie, filed a police report after failing to establish contact with the couple. According to one account, Lopez had informed her family that she and Cohen were traveling to Capas City in Tarlac province to meet with an individual involved in a 2021 real estate transaction.
Philippine law enforcement has initiated an investigation and is actively searching for the missing couple. The case has also caught the attention of Israeli authorities.
A spokesperson for Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed this saying, "We know about the case [which is] being handled by the Israeli Embassy in Manila and the Department for Israelis Abroad at the Foreign Ministry." They added that the Israeli consul in the Philippines is liaising with local authorities, while the Department for Israelis Abroad is maintaining contact with Cohen's family.
The circumstances surrounding the couple's disappearance and the discovery of their burned vehicle have raised concerns about foul play. However, officials have not yet publicly speculated on the cause of their disappearance.
As the search continues, both Filipino and Israeli authorities are urging anyone with information about Cohen and Lopez to come forward. The case remains ongoing, with hopes for a swift and safe resolution.