By Jennifer P. Rendon
Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. has offered a PHP100,000 reward for any information leading to the identification of the suspects who sexually assaulted and killed a Slovakian tourist in Boracay Island.
Haresco said the killing of Slovakian national Michaela Mickova is a major blow to the world-renowned island’s tourism industry.
In a video interview, the congressman expressed shock over the incident.
“Tumaas ang balahibo ko kasi namatay na nga ang Kalibo International Airport, tapos ma-ICU pa ang Boracay dahil sa nangyari,” he said.
Haresco added that the crime would leave a lasting impression on tourists.
“Matagal ‘yan na pag-iisipan ng turista na hindi na sila pupunta sa Boracay,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, confirmed that Haresco had texted him about the monetary reward.
“Pero hindi pa clear if the reward would be offered for the identification lang ba, or when the case would be filed in court, or if the suspects would be handed a guilty verdict,” Wanky said.
He noted that others have also discussed similar offers.
“But for now, technically, the case is almost solved na,” he said.
Investigation Progress
Wanky clarified that police have only one of the three persons of interest in custody.
Reports indicate that a previously mentioned person of interest was not part of the three suspects.
The arrested suspect has already signed an extrajudicial confession detailing his involvement in the 23-year-old Mickova’s death.
However, Wanky directed investigators to continue gathering testimonies and evidence to further strengthen the case.
He said police are still awaiting DNA test results to confirm the perpetrators.
Once the results are in, authorities will be ready to file charges.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, March 14, during a police anti-narcotics operation.
During debriefing, he made the revelations about Mickova’s killing.
An autopsy confirmed that Mickova was sexually assaulted, with findings indicating “recent blunt force penetrating trauma/sexual abuse.”
Her body was discovered on March 12 at an abandoned chapel in Zone 3, Sitio Pinaungon, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island.
The report listed her cause of death as blunt force injuries to the head.
She also sustained abrasions and hematomas on her face and other parts of her body.
