Following the gruesome death of a Slovak lady on the pristine island of Boracay, the Department of Tourism (DoT) on Friday said they condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any act of violence or criminality that threatens the safety and security of tourists in the country.
“The DoT expresses its profound concern regarding the recent incident involving a Slovak tourist on Boracay Island. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic event,” the DoT statement, sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE, said.
According to the DoT, they have immediately reached out to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to express full support for a prompt and comprehensive investigation of the tragic death of our visitor — an isolated incident, and to ensure that those responsible are swiftly captured and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Such despicable actions are intolerable and have no place in our country,” the DoT, headed by Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco, said.
On 12 March, the victim, 23-year-old Michaela Mickova was found dead in an abandoned chapel on Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Police reports indicate that Mickova was lying on her back, wearing only an upper garment, which was rolled up. Her legs were spread apart, and she had suffered a stab wound to the abdomen. Her shoes and belt bag remained with her, but her wallet was missing.
Two persons of interest are now under investigation, according to Malay, Aklan-Philippine National Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Mar Joseph Ravelo, as the two were seen in CCTV footage accompanying the Slovak victim on the day she was last seen by her friends.
Furthermore, the DoT said it has requested the DILG’s implementation of immediate and concrete measures to enhance security in key tourist destinations and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“As we await the official findings from the ongoing investigation, the DoT reaffirms its dedication to preserving Boracay’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. The safety and well-being of all travelers remain our top priority, and we will take every necessary step to ensure this environment is maintained,” the DoT statement further read.
The Slovak victim arrived in Boracay on 1 March to attend a Filipina friend’s wedding.
Authorities received the report about her body at 3:50 p.m., however, responders confirmed that the body was already in a state of decomposition.