PNP Eyes P8 Million Debt as Motive in Vlogger's Murder

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday tagged a couple as the masterminds behind the murder of pro-Marcos vlogger Alicia Lipata, with the motive likely connected to an P8-million debt. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the suspects and their cohorts face murder charges in connection with Lipata’s killing in Caloocan last month. Nartatez did not reveal the suspects’ identities as police continue with the manhunt operations. “They are businessmen and partners, meaning either they are in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship or is a couple,” Nartatez said when asked about the profile of the masterminds. Lipata, popularly known as Mima Alicia, was gunned down in front of her house in Barangay 171. Her partner was also wounded in the incident. Nartatez said their investigation showed Lipata’s killing is connected to her profession and a personal grudge or disagreements related to a debt. “The victim was indebted,” Nartatez said, as he expressed confidence that police tracker teams would soon arrest the suspects.