Quezon City Representative Marvin Rillo urged local governments and resort operators to remain vigilant in promoting the safety of tourists.
“We must never let our guard down when it comes to ensuring public safety at all times in our tourist destinations,” said Rillo, who serves as vice chairperson of the House committee on tourism.
The legislator’s statement follows the tragic murder of Slovakian tourist Michaela Mickova, whose body was discovered in the chapel of an abandoned hotel on Boracay Island on March 12.
“Every effort must be made to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they are held accountable.”
“We are counting on the authorities to swiftly apprehend the individuals responsible for this horrible crime,” the lawmaker added. “Every effort must be made to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they are held accountable.”
“This is primarily a law enforcement issue,” he stressed. “The best way to deter future crimes is to show that those who commit such acts are quickly arrested and prosecuted.”
Rillo also noted, “There is a clear lesson here—local governments, resort operators, and law enforcement must maintain their vigilance when it comes to the safety of tourists.”
According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 1,083,402 foreign visitors arrived in the Philippines in the first two months of 2025.
Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, is renowned as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
“Her loved ones deserve justice.”
Rillo extended his heartfelt condolences to Mickova’s family and loved ones, stating, “Her loved ones deserve justice.”
Mickova, 23, had been in Boracay to attend a Filipina friend’s wedding.
