Abalos condemns Slovak tourist’s death in Boracay, calls it isolated case

Benhur Abalos with supporters in Tacloban City

MANILA, Philippines – Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday denounced in the strongest possible terms the tragic death of Michaela Mickova, a 23-year-old Slovak national whose body was discovered at an abandoned chapel in Boracay, a prime tourist destination in the Philippines.

“I’ve learned about this incident in Boracay, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. I want to assure the public, especially the international community, that this is a very isolated case,” Abalos said in in an interview in Tacloban, Leyte, where the Alyansa senatorial campaign is scheduled to hold a rally in the afternoon.

Benhur Abalos faces local media during a presscon prior to the Alyansa rally in Tacloban.

Abalos emphasized that Boracay remains a safe destination for travelers.

“I just spoke with PNP Regional Director Jack Wanky, and according to police records, this is the first time such an incident has happened to a tourist on the island,” Abalos stressed.

Supporters applaud Benhur Abalos during the Tacloban sortie.

Abalos, who once supervised the PNP as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said that authorities in the Western Visayas region have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mickova’s death.

Supporters continue to swarm Benhur Abalos in Tacloban City.

“All that I can tell you is that the police are on top of this,” he said. “Having been DILG secretary before, I understand that while there are details I may want to disclose, I cannot, as it may affect the investigation. But I assure everyone that from Day one, this has been treated as a priority case. Our police force is working tirelessly, and I am confident that the investigation is moving in the right direction.”

Abalos reiterated that crimes of this nature remain exceptionally rare in Boracay.

“As far as police records are concerned, this is an isolated case,” he stated. “It’s the first time something like this has happened to a tourist. I want to make that clear because tourism is one of the strengths of our country. We do not want this unfortunate incident to overshadow the reality that the Philippines—and Boracay in particular—remains a welcoming and hospitable place for visitors.”

Abalos also extended his condolences to Mickova’s family: “We mourn with the family,” he said. “The authorities will do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“The Philippines is a beautiful country, and Filipinos are known for their warmth and kindness,” he said. “It is unfortunate that this happened, but I trust that our law enforcement agencies will bring swift resolution to this case.”