AKLAN – Authorities are close to solving the murder of Slovak tourist Michaela Mickova, with a manhunt now underway for the two suspects linked to the crime.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), revealed in a radio interview that the case is 99.9% solved, as police finalize evidence to file charges.
“We are just waiting for the results of the tests we sent to the crime lab in Cebu,” he said during the interview, emphasizing that investigators are confident about the identity of the perpetrators.
Witness identifies suspects
Wanky detailed how the investigation progressed after authorities arrested a man identified as alias “Kimpoy” in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Sambiran, Malay town, on March 14.
While in police custody, Kimpoy approached police on March 16, confessing that he had crucial information about Mickova’s death. He identified two of his drinking companions as the ones responsible.
Wanky however withheld the names of the two other suspects who remained at large so as not to affect the ongoing investigation.
According to Kimpoy, he and the two suspects were drinking outside the abandoned chapel on Boracay Island on March 10 when Mickova, who was alone and taking photos, interacted with them.
“The woman was friendly, so we started talking,” he recounted.
However, when Mickova tried to leave, one of the men grabbed her hand.
“When she was about to go, one of the men held her hand. She tried to run, but the other man hit her with a piece of wood,” Kimpoy said.
The two men then carried Mickova inside the chapel. Fearing what might happen next, Kimpoy claimed he fled the scene.
“I got scared, so I just left,” he added.
Wanky said they are preparing for the cases to be filed against the suspects: “May mga papers pa kasi na kulang para maka-file tayo ng kaso sa mga suspects.”
Autopsy findings and possible sexual assault
The 23-year-old Mickova was reported missing by her friends on March 11 after she failed to return to her accommodation. The following afternoon, a resident discovered her body inside the chapel.
According to Wanky, the medico-legal report indicates that Mickova died from a severe head injury caused by blunt force trauma. The autopsy also suggests possible sexual abuse.
“There are signs that the victim was raped, but the investigation is still ongoing to establish everything,” Wanky said.
During the interview, Wanky further disclosed that the two suspects, who work as freelance tour guides, remained at large but are believed to still be on Boracay Island.
“We believe they are still on the island,” he stated. “The police are covering all angles to arrest them.”
The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) of the Aklan Police Provincial Office continues to gather additional evidence to build a strong case against the perpetrators.
Wanky assured the public that the law enforcement is committed to securing justice for Mickova and holding those responsible accountable.
“Our police force will continue working to seek justice for the victim. The perpetrators must face the consequences of their crime,” the PRO-6 director added./PN
