The tragic fate of a Filipina in Slovenia, at the hands of the man who promised to protect and love her through sickness and health, is widely discussed and shared across social media.

Once again, a Filipina has been helplessly killed abroad, and the perpetrator, as in so many similar cases, is her own husband.

The parents of Marvel Pagturan in Slovenia never imagined that their daughter would die at the hands of her own spouse.

This case is another devastating story marking the end of 2024.

Like any other family, the Pagturan family was busy preparing for the New Year’s Eve countdown on December 31.

However, at the stroke of midnight, they did not only receive the year 2025; they received a phone call from Slovenia.

The call was not a “Happy New Year” greeting but the painful news that their daughter, Marvel Pagturan, was dead.

Amidst the colorful fireworks and explosions in the night sky on December 31, 2024, a figurative bomb exploded in the hearts of Marvel’s parents upon receiving the news.

The Pagturan family is originally from Negros Oriental but later moved to Silang, Cavite, seeking better opportunities in the city.

The family described Marvel as a cheerful, loving daughter with many dreams. One of her aspirations was to travel the world, which led her to take a course related to tourism.

Marvel was also naturally beautiful, loved dressing up, and kept up with fashion trends. After college, she interned at Pacific Airlines but was not regularized.

Nevertheless, Marvel did not lose hope and quickly found a job at a laser clinic.

A Cross-Continental Romance

Like many young women, Marvel was active on social media. Through this platform, she met the Slovenian national Miha Cok Jonaš, an online teacher.

Apart from his fit physique and good looks, Marvel knew Miha as a gentleman, a God-fearing, and respectable person.

She learned that he was often invited as a motivational speaker in schools, leading Marvel to believe she had found her ideal man.

Unknown to her, he hid his true character behind his gentle eyes and sweet smile. From their first encounter in February 2024, the two began to communicate more frequently.

Miha started showing interest in the Filipina until Marvel eventually fell for him and accepted his proposal of love on April 10, 2024.

Marvel did not hide her relationship with Miha from her parents and friends. Since she was of age, her parents fully supported her on the condition that she get to know the foreigner well.

The couple proudly shared their budding romance with the world through posts on their respective social media accounts.

Their love deepened further when Miha decided to travel to the Philippines to meet and spend time with his girlfriend in person.

Marvel’s family warmly welcomed him at the airport and treated him as if he were already a family member.

On July 15, 2024, during a birthday celebration for one of Marvel’s loved ones, Miha surprised the family by proposing to Marvel that evening, which she tearfully accepted with joy.

Aside from Marvel, her family was also happy, knowing their daughter was happy. They were also aware of the couple’s strong bond.

Just fourteen days after the engagement, on July 29, 2024, the two were married in Silang, Cavite, in a simple ceremony attended by Marvel’s friends and family.

Although Miha’s family could not attend the wedding, they extended their greetings to the couple. After the wedding, the family had a joyful reception with the newlyweds.

Witnesses recalled seeing Marvel’s immense happiness and pride in the man she presented at the altar.

After the wedding, Miha returned to Slovenia and only came back to the Philippines to process his wife’s papers.

He wanted to personally introduce the woman he married to his family in Slovenia.

After months of waiting, on December 17, 2024, the Pagturan family sent the couple off at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Miha first departed on a flight that would take him to Slovenia, while Marvel flew to Tokyo, Japan. She needed to pass through Japan for her visa to Slovenia.

From Japan, Marvel flew and arrived in Slovenia on December 22, 2024. Her husband met her at the airport with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

In the videos Marvel shared on social media that day, the Filipina’s extreme joy was evident. Little did she know the danger that awaited her in Slovenia.

A Disturbing Discovery

Upon arriving in Slovenia, Miha immediately introduced Marvel to his family and friends. The couple lived in an apartment in Bled.

In Marvel’s first few days in Slovenia, her husband took her sightseeing to several beautiful places there. They also happily celebrated the past Christmas, sharing photos on social media.

They often expressed gratitude to God for bringing them to the right person. Every time Marvel called her family in the Philippines, they saw her joy as she recounted her experiences in Slovenia.

Her family was at peace, confident that she was okay and happy with her husband.

On December 29, 2024, the police in Bled, Slovenia, received a call from a concerned citizen living next door to the newlywed’s apartment.

They had heard an argument coming from the couple’s home, so the authorities immediately went there to conduct a household check.

Upon arriving, they knocked on the door and called out several times, but no one answered from inside. They were forced to break the door down.

The police struggled because Miha had barricaded the door from the inside. When the police finally entered the house, they found Marvel’s bloody and lifeless body.

Miha was also present, looking stunned, with his clothes and hands stained with his wife’s blood.

Miha Cok Jonaš was known in Bled, Slovenia, as a motivational speaker. He grew up as a cheerful and lively child.

However, everything changed when he started school. Miha was overweight, making him a subject of teasing in school. He was often laughed at and mocked by his peers.

Because of this, Miha became quiet and often kept to himself. Even as a child, Miha loved animals, so he pursued a course in microbiology in college.

Concurrently, he began changing his lifestyle, undergoing heavy exercise and diet to improve his physique.

As he got older, his family noticed a change in Miha. He developed problems with anger management, often getting extremely angry over small things.

His family brought him to a psychiatric expert, where Miha was diagnosed with a mental disorder called psychosis.

Because of this, Miha underwent psychiatric therapy and medication until he seemingly recovered.

According to specialists, Miha changed after his recovery. He became calm and drew closer to God. His family thought there would be no more problems.

Miha was even invited as a motivational speaker for the youth, where he shared his experiences and how he overcame his challenges, up until he met the Filipina, Marvel.

Mental State and Legal Implications

According to the police report, the couple had an argument. Although Slovenian authorities did not disclose the possible cause of the argument, they were certain that it greatly angered Miha, leading him to kill his wife.

The autopsy revealed that Marvel was beaten before being stabbed multiple times by her husband using a kitchen knife, which was recovered at the crime scene.

Slovenian police described the nature of the killing as extremely brutal. There were rumors in Slovenia that on December 28, 2024, one day before the crime, Miha was seen going to a psychiatric hospital for consultation.

However, after being given some medication, he was sent home because he appeared well and showed no signs of immediate concern.

Due to the suspect’s mental state, he was taken to a psychiatric hospital. Slovenian authorities stated they would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

If Miha is proven to have been of sound mind when he committed the crime, he can be imprisoned.

However, if it is determined that he was mentally ill and his illness had returned, based on Slovenian law, he cannot be convicted. Instead, he will be committed to a psychiatric hospital for treatment and therapy.

The DFA has confirmed that Marvel’s remains are expected to be repatriated to the Philippines this week.

Those who loved Marvel are calling for justice, believing that the truth will come out. The case remains a profound tragedy, underscoring the complexities of mental health and international marriage.