PNP: 2 persons of interest in Slovak tourist’s death in custody

INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Two of the three persons of interest (POIs) in the tragic death of Slovak national Michaela Mickova are now in custody, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Randulf Tuaño opted not to provide the names of the POIs but revealed that they were able to uncover them through the help of nine witnesses.

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

“The nine witnesses gave their statements and the police now have three persons of interest. Two of them are in custody. The two POIs have a case related to illegal drug use in 2024,” Tuaño said in Filipino during a press briefing on Monday.

The body of 23-year-old Mickova was found in an abandoned chapel in Boracay.

Based on the medico-legal report, Tuaño said, Mickova suffered blunt force injuries to the head.

Citing the medical examiner, the PNP official revealed that the foreigner also suffered from sexual abuse.

Earlier, former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr said crimes of this nature remain exceptionally rare in Boracay.

“As far as police records are concerned, this is an isolated case. It’s the first time something like this has happened to a tourist,” Abalos said.

“We mourn with the family. The authorities will do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.