MANILA, Philippines — The motive for the killing of political vlogger Alicia Lipata, also known as Mima Alicia, was an P8 million debt, as well as personal disagreements between her and the alleged masterminds, PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said Friday.
“The motive, it's about the profession and they also have personal grudge, personal disagreement na nagsimula sa utang na (that began with a debt of) P8 million,” Nartatez told reporters on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Threat and Security Symposium at Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
Nartatez clarified that it was Alicia who owed the P8 million debt to a business couple who were identified by suspects who were arrested as the “masterminds.”
“They were named, we unmasked them. That is the motive but if we have other motive, the mastermind siya lang ang makakasagot (she is the only one who can answer),” Nartatez said.
The two, however, still remain at large.
Alicia was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants outside her home in Caloocan City on July 17.
Her live-in partner who was with her during the attack was critically-wounded but survived the incident.
According to initial reports, Lipata and her partner arrived at their home by car when two unidentified armed suspects approached them. The assailants shot Lipata as she stepped out of the vehicle.
She was declared dead at the scene.
The gunman and the rider were arrested in a police operation in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Firearms and hand grenades were recovered from their possession.
Alicia is a pro-administration content creator known for her YoutTube channel Alicia Comments.
She is widely known for supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and criticizing the Duterte family, particularly Vice President Sara Duterte.
Authorities said they were looking into several angles for the killing, including her outspoken views as well as her previous lawsuits that stemmed from her clashes with several online personalities.
