Local police in the Philippines confirmed that 23-year-old Slovak citizen Michaela Mickova was found dead inside an abandoned chapel on Boracay Island, having been sexually assaulted before being murdered.
The forensic examination conducted after her body was discovered on March 12 revealed signs of sexual assault.
The autopsy report stated, "Findings in the genitalia are consistent with recent blunt force penetrative trauma/sexual abuse."
When Mickova's body was found, her lower garments were missing, and she had "suffered blunt force trauma to the head," which was determined to be the cause of her death.
The victim had multiple injuries all over her body, including abrasions and contusions on her face, bruises on her abdomen, arms, and forearms, and scrapes on her right arm and knee.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office West Visayas is investigating three to four suspects related to the crime.
The police stated that Mickova was last seen being invited by a man to drink coconut juice before she disappeared. Investigators later linked this man with three other suspects.
The police believe Mickova was lured to the abandoned chapel and attacked there. Her wallet and mobile phone were missing when her body was found, suggesting that robbery might also be a motive. Witness statements have confirmed the police's findings and support the ongoing investigation.
Mickova arrived on Boracay Island on March 1 to attend a Filipino friend's wedding. She was supposed to travel with her Egyptian boyfriend, but his Philippine visa was denied, forcing her to travel alone. On March 10, Mickova went missing. Two days later, her Filipino friend could no longer contact her and reported her disappearance to the police.
The crime scene is located in Sitio Pinaungon, Barangay Balabag, Malay, Zone 3, in a small abandoned chapel about one kilometer from her residence.
A spokesperson for the West Visayas police added, "Such an incident has never happened before. This is the first time."
Meanwhile, the Aklan Provincial Police Office has increased police presence and patrols on Boracay Island to ensure the safety of tourists and locals.
Aubrey Ayon, spokesperson for the Aklan police, stated, "Boracay Island remains a safe and reliable tourist destination, and the police force is committed to maintaining law and order on the island."
She added, "We have also increased police forces and patrols to ensure the safety of all tourists and residents."
The Aklan police also called on anyone with information or knowledge about the incident to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.
The Malay town police have detained two suspects and nine witnesses have provided testimonies to the authorities. Based on witness testimonies, the police have identified three suspects related to the death of Michaela Mickova. The police disclosed that the two detained suspects have records of suspected illegal drug use in 2024.
On March 13, the victim's friends, police, and local residents held a solemn prayer and candle lighting ceremony at the abandoned chapel where the victim was found.
Young women must be cautious and careful in unfamiliar places, avoid visiting disreputable areas for fun, and not trust seemingly friendly strangers. As the Scottish proverb goes: "Lie down with dogs, and you'll rise with fleas." These common sense precautions have been repeatedly emphasized by our parents and teachers from a young age. However, some people, deeply influenced by feminist ideologies, insist on taking risks, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
