Middleman in Vlogger’s Slay Surrenders; PNP Intensifies Manhunt

MANILA, Philippines — The alleged middleman in the murder of pro-Marcos vlogger Alicia Lipata has surrendered to authorities as the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its manhunt for three other suspects, including the alleged mastermind, despite declaring the case solved. PNP chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the surrender marked another breakthrough in the case. Lipata was killed in an ambush on July 17 in Caloocan City. Her partner was wounded. Police have identified all six suspects, from the mastermind to the gunmen, with three now in custody. Nartatez said investigators were able to identify the gunmen within 48 hours through closed-circuit television backtracking, facial recognition technology and forensic examination. He said the suspects were also linked to 10 other criminal cases in Caloocan, Malabon and Quezon City as well as Bulacan and Nueva Ecija, including shootings and robberies dating back to 2015. According to police, one of the suspects was previously linked to the security group of a high-value drug personality in Iloilo. Police said the remaining three suspects have gone into hiding. “We have leads on their whereabouts,” Nartatez said, adding that authorities continue to pursue the fugitives. Meanwhile, Northern Police District director Brig. Gen. Benliner Capili said the alleged middleman turned himself in to the Mabalacat police in Pampanga before being turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Investigators said the suspect acted as the communication link between the mastermind and alleged gunman Manolito Susano, relaying information and facilitating the transfer of money for the contract killing. “He coordinated with the gunman, relayed information and handled the money transactions,” Capili told Camp Crame reporters. Police arrested Susano and alleged accomplice Juan Alan de Guzman on July 24, six days after the shooting. Murder and frustrated murder charges have been filed against Susano and De Guzman before the Caloocan City prosecutor’s office. Probers have ruled out political motive, saying the murder stemmed from a personal dispute involving an alleged unpaid P8-million debt between Lipata’s group and the alleged mastermind arising from their business dealings. “We have ruled out a political angle. The motive is personal,” Capili said. Police said they expect to establish the specific motive for the killing once the alleged mastermind is arrested.