Solon seeks tourist safety vigilance

A lawmaker on Sunday urged local governments and resort operators to remain vigilant in promoting tourist safety.

“We must never let our guard down when it comes to ensuring public safety at all times in our tourist destinations,” said Quezon City Fourth District Representative Marvin Rillo, who is also vice chairperson of the House committee on tourism.

Rillo’s statement follows the murder of Slovakian tourist Michaela Mickova, whose body was found in the chapel of an abandoned hotel on Boracay Island on 12 March.

“We are counting on the authorities to swiftly apprehend the individuals responsible for this horrible crime,” said the lawmaker. “Every effort must be made to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they are held accountable.”

“This is primarily a law enforcement issue. The best way to deter future crimes is to show that those who commit such acts are quickly arrested and prosecuted,” he added.

The lawmaker also stressed that local governments, resort operators and law enforcement must maintain their vigilance when it comes to the safety of tourists.

According to the Department of Tourism, 1,083,402 foreign visitors arrived in the Philippines in the first two months of 2025.