Hontiveros Seeks NBI Aid Amid Online Death Threats

Senator Risa Hontiveros has sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) amid a wave of "pro-killing" remarks and "death threats" that erupted online following the killing of vlogger Alicia Lipata, known as Mima Alicia, on July 17. Hontiveros herself has become a target, warning against the spread of online hate. "Instead of expressing sympathy, some people are celebrating someone's death and even inciting violence. Now, many are also openly threatening that I will be 'next,'" Hontiveros said in a statement. The senator stressed that these threats are being taken seriously, and she has submitted to the NBI the names and screenshots of hundreds of Facebook users who have threatened to kill her. "My staff has routinely deleted and reported these disturbing comments on Facebook, and we have submitted to the NBI the names and screenshots of hundreds of Facebook users who have threatened to kill me," Hontiveros said. The senator called on social media platforms and law enforcement to "act decisively against this culture of impunity online." "We should never normalize threats against another person's life. No matter how deep our political differences may be, there must be limits to our disagreements. We cannot allow such hatred to cost another life. We are better than this," she emphasized. Lipata, who was said to be a supporter of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was gunned down by a motorcycle-riding tandem outside her home in Caloocan City. Police said they have already identified two suspects behind the killing of the victim, and one of them has multiple prior cases. This incident highlights the growing problem of online hate speech and threats in the Philippines, with politicians and public figures increasingly becoming targets. The country's large overseas Filipino worker population means information spreads rapidly via social media, amplifying associated risks. In the context of Japan-Philippines relations, such societal trends could indirectly influence bilateral exchanges and the business environment.