2 tourists found dead in Boracay hotel, negative for Covid-19

THE Malay Health Office (MHO) has confirmed that the two tourists who were found dead inside their rented room in a hotel in Boracay Island recently were negative for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The MHO has ruled out Covid-19 as possible cause for their death.

Authorities identified the tourists as Dennis Yu Villaluz, 44, of San Mateo, Rizal, and Maria Cecilia Jellicode, 44, an Australian national who had been staying in Metro Manila.

The RT-PCR testing of the victims was done by the Boracay District Hospital.

With the negative result, the Malay Police Office has requested toxicology tests for the two tourists.

The personal gadgets of the two tourists were also subjected to digital forensic test.

The Malay Police Station (MPS) earlier ruled out robbery as the motive in the death, as their personal belongings were all intact.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) footage of the hotel also showed both of them entering their room smoothly.

The MPS has considered the case isolated and assured tourists coming to the island that Boracay is still a safe tourism destination. (SunStar Philippines)