By Jennifer P. Rendon
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan – Police have identified two persons of interest in the death of a 23-year-old Slovak national whose body was found inside an abandoned chapel on Boracay Island.
The victim, Michaela Mickova, was discovered at around 2:19 p.m. on March 12 at Zone 3, Sitio Pinaungon, Barangay Balabag.
However, the incident was only reported to police at 3:50 p.m.
Police responders found Mickova’s decomposing body lying supine, with her legs spread and lower garments missing.
She was still wearing her upper clothing, though it was rolled up, and had her shoes on.
Her belt bag, containing only lotion and a pair of headphones, remained with her, but her wallet and mobile phone were missing.
Initial reports indicated that she had a wound on her abdomen.
While blood was found at the scene, a Philippine National Police (PNP) Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) report suggested it came from her genitals.
“That’s why we’re considering that she could have been sexually molested,” said Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief.
Wanky immediately traveled to Boracay after learning about the incident and presided over a case conference on Thursday, March 13.
Mickova arrived on Boracay Island on March 1 to attend the wedding of a Filipina and her foreign fiancé.
Wanky said she was supposed to travel with her Egyptian boyfriend, a friend of the groom, but he was denied a Philippine visa, forcing her to travel alone.
Her Filipina friend reported her missing on March 10 after being unable to contact her.
Investigators noted that Mickova and her friends had stayed in different hotels.
The area where her body was found is about a kilometer from her accommodations.
Her friend told police that Mickova enjoyed exploring ruins alone.
Authorities believe she may have searched online and discovered the abandoned chapel.
Wanky confirmed that police have identified at least two persons of interest, both from Boracay Island.
“Apparently, she met these two persons while in the island,” he said.
Investigators are looking into robbery and rape as possible motives.
An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday or Friday.
Wanky said they obtained consent from a relative in Slovakia to proceed with the examination.
ISOLATED CASE
Wanky emphasized that the incident is an isolated case.
“This is not common, and it’s the first case of its kind recorded by Boracay police,” he said.
“We assure the public that Boracay Island remains a safe and secure destination, with law enforcement authorities committed to maintaining peace and order.”