Police probe online activities of slain pro-Marcos vlogger

MANILA, Philippines — The online activities of pro-Marcos vlogger Alicia Lipata is one of the angles being examined by the Philippine National Police, which ordered on Sunday a full investigation into her killing. Lipata, popularly known online as “Mima Alicia,” had 362,000 subscribers on YouTube through her channel “Alicia Comments.” In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he expects investigators to conduct a thorough probe, particularly into the possibility that the attack was connected to the victim’s activities as a political vlogger. READ: Pro-Marcos vlogger shot dead, partner hurt The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) was directed to cover all possible angles, including Lipata’s presence and engagements on social media. Earlier, NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said the vlogger was a “BBM (Bongbong Marcos) loyalist” based on her social media posts. READ: Davao Oriental political vlogger shot dead Initial police reports showed that two motorcycle-riding suspects shot Lipata and her partner outside her residence in Caloocan City on Friday morning. Neighbors rushed both to a hospital but only the vlogger’s partner survived. “Violence has no place in a society where freedom of expression is honored and respected,” Nartatez said in a statement. “There may be differences in beliefs and opinion but we in the PNP commit to uphold and protect the right to express them—and this includes aggressively running after those responsible in this case,” he added. In a statement on Sunday, the Northern Police District (NPD) also expressed its condolences to Lipata’s family and said the Special Investigation Task Group “MIMA” remains active in efforts to swiftly resolve her killing. The Caloocan City Police Station is spearheading the investigation, with authorities carrying out intelligence and investigative operations to identify and track down the suspects. “The victim has undergone an autopsy, the findings of which will form part of the evidence being evaluated,” said the NPD, led by acting district director Brig. Gen. Benliner Capili. The NPD added that it continues to coordinate with the victim’s family to keep them informed of developments and provide assistance. To protect the integrity of the case, the NPD said it would withhold additional details for now. Authorities urged individuals with relevant information to contact the investigation officer-on-case, Police Staff Sgt. Romnick Laceda, through the Caloocan police station or the nearest police station, assuring them of confidentially. The NPD said it “remains committed to conducting a thorough, impartial, and lawful investigation to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.” /cb