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TACLOBAN CITY — Former Interior and Local Government secretary Benhur Abalos strongly condemned on Friday the shocking death of 23-year-old Slovak tourist Michaela Mickova, whose body was discovered at an abandoned chapel in Boracay, a premier tourist destination in the Philippines.
"I've learned about this incident in Boracay, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," Abalos told the reporters in a press conference in Leyte, where the Alyansa senatorial campaign is scheduled to hold a rally in the afternoon.
"I want to assure the public, especially the international community, that this is a very isolated case," he added.
Abalos assured that Boracay continues to be a secure and welcoming destination for tourists and travelers.
"I just spoke with PNP (Philippine National Police) 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 said.
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Abalos said that authorities in Western Visayas have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the death of Mickova, aiming to uncover the details surrounding the tragic incident.
He also extended his condolences to Mickova's family.
"We mourn with the family ...the authorities will do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice," Abalos said.
"It is unfortunate that this happened, but I trust that our law enforcement agencies will bring swift resolution to this case."
