Israeli slain in Boracay

At least a thousand policemen will be deployed in tourist spots nationwide following Sunday’s killing of an Israeli visitor in the resort island of Boracay in Aklan.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon said yesterday the action is part of his proposal to set up a tourism police force to ensure the security of foreign tourists.

Gordon said the murdered tourist, Raam Ben Shlomo, 26, had reportedly been living in Boracay for more than two months.

Gordon said police have already in custody several men who are believed to be involved in the murder of Shlomo, but he did not give details.

"We will not stop until this case is solved," he said.

Investigations showed Shlomo was strolling on the beach with his girlfriend, Shani, also an Israeli, early morning Sunday when an unidentified person suddenly stabbed him in the back.

Shani was also stabbed in the arm when she reportedly tried to parry the suspect’s thrusts to try to defend Shlomo and stop the attack.

At that point, Shani ran for help and returned with other people who took Shlomo to the nearest hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Gordon said robbery could not be behind Shlomo’s murder as his belongings, including a big amount of money, have remained intact in his person.

"It could be passion killing," he said.

However, Gordon said Boracay is still a safe destination for foreign and local tourists even if Shlomo’s killer has remained at large.

"Boracay has a low crime rate and high level of crime solution efficiency even with the huge inflow of tourists to the island," he said.

Gordon said he has asked the Philippine National Police to coordinate with the Aklan provincial government for the immediate solution of the killing.

Meanwhile, Gordon said he has called for the prompt deployment of more policemen in Malate and Ermita in Manila, and other tourist spots nationwide to allay the fears of tourists.