PNP Intensifies Hunt for Remaining Suspects in Lipata Killing

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its manhunt for all other individuals believed to have been involved in the killing of pro-Marcos vlogger Alicia Lipata, following the arrest of two suspects in connection with the crime. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered PNP units to step up operations to apprehend the remaining accomplices. Police are looking for several other suspects believed to have played a role in the planning and execution of the ambush on Lipata, popularly known as Mima Alicia. “We will not stop until all those involved are arrested,” Nartatez stated. The two suspects in Lipata’s murder were apprehended in Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. Their identities were established through closed-circuit television footage and other pieces of evidence obtained by the Northern Police District (NPD). Lipata was shot dead in front of her house in Barangay 171, Caloocan City, last week. Her live-in partner survived the attack and is currently recuperating from his wounds. General Nartatez lauded the NPD and other police units involved in the investigation and operations to arrest the suspects, saying, “From almost no clues, your police were able to identify and eventually arrest two suspects.” Meanwhile, the PNP is also intensifying its drive against scammers who are using fake quick response (QR) codes to protect consumers from fraudulent online transactions. Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in addressing the proliferation of fraudulent QR codes circulating on online selling platforms. He vowed to identify and file charges against the people behind the fake QR codes used to deceive online sellers and buyers. The Anti-Cybercrime Group had previously warned the public against “quishing,” a scam where people are duped into transacting with fraudulent QR codes. The scam involves the use of malicious QR codes that redirect victims to fake websites designed to steal personal information, banking credentials, passwords, and other data. “These QR codes are supposed to simplify payment transactions on online selling platforms. However, criminals are exploiting them to victimize and scam the public for their own gain,” Nartatez explained. He urged the public to be vigilant, verify the given QR code, and report to the nearest police station if they encounter a possible quishing operation.