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ILOILO CITY — Authorities have confirmed that 23-year-old Michaela Mickova, a Slovak citizen who was found dead in an abandoned chapel on Boracay Island, was sexually assaulted before being killed.
A medico-legal examination conducted after her body was discovered on March 12 revealed signs of sexual assault.
The autopsy report obtained by The Manila Times on Monday cited "genital findings consistent with recent blunt force penetrating trauma/sexual abuse."
Mickova, whose body was found with lower garments missing, also suffered "blunt force injuries to the head," which was determined as the cause of her death.
The victim's body bore multiple injuries, including abrasions and hematoma on her face, contusions on her abdomen, arms and forearm, as well as abrasions on her right arm and knee.
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A hematoma was also found on her left thigh.
3-4 suspects
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), meanwhile, is investigating three to four suspects linked to the crime.
The police said Mickova was invited by the man to drink coconut juice before she was reported missing.
Investigators later linked this individual to the three other suspects.
Authorities believe Mickova may have been lured to the abandoned chapel, where she was attacked.
Her wallet and mobile phone were missing when her body was found, suggesting robbery as another possible motive.
Witness statements have also corroborated police findings, supporting the ongoing investigation.
Mickova arrived in Boracay on March 1 to attend a wedding of a Filipina friend. She was supposed to travel with her Egyptian boyfriend, but he was denied a Philippine visa, forcing her to make the trip alone.
Her Filipina friend, who had been unable to contact her for two days, reported her missing.
The abandoned chapel at Zone 3, Sitio Pinaungon, Barangay Balabag, the location of the crime scene, was approximately a kilometer away from her accommodations.
Isolated case
"There has been no such incident in the past. This is the first time it has happened," he added.
Meanwhile, the Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) has increased police presence and patrols across Boracay Island to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals.
"Boracay Island remains a safe and secure tourist destination, and the police force is committed to maintaining law and order on the island," said APPO spokesman Capt. Aubrey Ayon.
"Increased police presence and patrols have also been implemented to ensure the safety and security of all tourists and residents," she added.
The APPO also appealed to persons with information or knowledge about the incident to come forward to shed light on the ongoing investigation.
On March 13, a solemn prayer offering and candle-lighting ceremony were held at the abandoned chapel where the victim was found.
