Betrayed by the Badge: The Chilling Murders of Geneva Lopez and Yitshak Cohen

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

In a chilling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Philippines, two former policemen stand accused of orchestrating the brutal murder of beauty queen Geneva Lopez and her Israeli fiancé, Yitshak Cohen. This heinous act, driven by a sordid land dispute, not only underscores the depths of human depravity but also highlights a distressing pattern of police involvement in criminal activities.

On July 8, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Chief General Rommel Marbil presented the two ex-cops involved in the grisly crime, revealing a tale that reads more like a thriller than a tragic reality. Lopez and Cohen, who disappeared on June 21, were found dead two weeks later in Capas, Tarlac. Their vehicle, torched and abandoned, was a grim marker of their fate. The couple, lured under the pretense of a real estate transaction, met their end in a premeditated act of cold-blooded murder orchestrated by the very people sworn to protect them.

The involvement of former law enforcement officers in such a barbaric act is not unprecedented, unfortunately. It evokes memories of the infamous case of Cochise Bernabe, a very promising, intelligent, and talented young man with a bright future ahead of him, and his girlfriend, Beebom Castaños, who were brutally murdered in 1990 by policemen. This incident, like the present case, shattered public trust in the police force and raised alarming questions about the integrity and moral compass of those who wear the badge.

Why do some policemen, or in this case, ex-policemen, become perpetrators of such horrific crimes? Several factors contribute to this unsettling phenomenon. First, the culture of impunity within police ranks often emboldens rogue elements. Many officers believe they are untouchable, protected by the very system they serve. Second, the lure of financial gain can corrupt even the most steadfast individuals. In a country where economic disparity is stark, the temptation of quick money through illegal means can be overwhelming. Third, the lack of stringent psychological evaluations and continuous monitoring of police officers allows individuals with dubious morals to slip through the cracks.

To address this menace, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Here are some recommendations:

Strengthen Accountability: Implement a robust oversight mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability within the police force. Independent bodies should regularly audit police conduct and investigate any allegations of misconduct.
Enhance Training and Education: Police training programs must emphasize ethical behavior, human rights, and the severe consequences of deviating from the law. Continuous education should be mandatory to reinforce these values.
Psychological Evaluation and Support: Regular psychological assessments are crucial to identify officers who may be susceptible to corruption or criminal behavior. Providing mental health support can also help address underlying issues that might lead to misconduct.
Public Involvement and Community Policing: Foster stronger ties between the police and the communities they serve. Public involvement in policing efforts can enhance trust and accountability.
Stiff Penalties for Misconduct: Impose severe penalties for police officers involved in criminal activities. This includes not only termination but also prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

The murder of Geneva Lopez and Yitshak Cohen is a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform within the Philippine police force. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be prosecuted without mercy. Justice demands that they face the full weight of the law for their actions. But beyond this immediate call for justice, there lies a deeper imperative to cleanse the ranks of law enforcement, to rebuild public trust, and to ensure that those who are entrusted with the power to protect do not become the purveyors of violence and death.

As we mourn the tragic loss of Lopez and Cohen, let their deaths not be in vain. Let this moment of darkness ignite a fervent pursuit of justice and reform. The people of the Philippines deserve a police force that stands as a bastion of integrity, honor, and duty—not one tainted by corruption and criminality. The time for change is now, and the world is watching.