P100,000 reward up for info on killers of Boracay tourist
MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker from Aklan on Tuesday offered a P100,000 reward for any information that would lead to the identification of those responsible for the killing of a Slovakian tourist on Boracay Island.
Rep. Teodorico Haresco of Aklan’s second district met over the weekend with local police officials for updates in the probe on the murder of 23-year-old Michaela Mickova, whose body was found in an abandoned hotel on the island on March 12.
Haresco noted that the local police had identified two persons of interest and were investigating a possible third suspect in the slaying.
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The lawmaker pledged to work closely and provide financial aid to the Boracay police to expedite the investigation and bring the killers to justice.
According to Haresco, “This is a devastating blow to our tourism industry,” and added, “We must act swiftly and decisively to address this issue and restore public trust.”
In offering the P100,000 reward for information on the murder, he said, “We need to reassure tourists that Boracay is a safe place. We will do everything in our power together with our local officials in Boracay and Malay and national agencies concerned to prevent such incidents from happening again.”
The lawmaker pointed out that the incident understandably cast a shadow on Boracay’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination, and raised concerns over the future of tourism on the island.
Prioritize tourists’ safety
Boracay is under the jurisdiction of Malay town, which is part of the second congressional district of Aklan.
Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, vice chair of the House of Representatives tourism committee, held the same view and called for local government units of tourist hubs and resort owners to undertake measures to ensure the safety of foreign visitors to the country.
On Sunday, Rillo called on authorities to immediately catch Mickova’s killers, saying, “Every effort must be made to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they are held accountable.”
The lawmaker pointed out, “The best way to deter future crimes is to show that those who commit such acts are quickly arrested and prosecuted.”
Department of Tourism data showed some 1.083 million foreign visitors arrived in the Philippines in January and February this year and that Boracay Island remains among the world’s top tourist destinations.
