By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified a businessman and his wife as the alleged masterminds behind the fatal shooting of vlogger Alicia “Mima Alicia” Lipata.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators traced the killing to a financial dispute that reportedly evolved into a personal conflict.
According to Nartatez, Lipata allegedly owed the couple around P8 million, with the disagreement eventually leading to a deeper personal grudge.
“It’s about the profession and as well as they have personal grudge or personal disagreements na nagsimula sa utang,” Nartatez said.
He added that the victim was the one who borrowed money from the suspects.
Authorities said the alleged masterminds are a married couple involved in business. Police stressed that the motive uncovered so far points to a personal dispute and has no connection to other vloggers.
Nartatez also rejected online claims that the killing was politically motivated simply because Lipata was known for producing political content.
He said investigators are still open to uncovering other possible motives as the case progresses, noting that the alleged masterminds may provide additional details once apprehended.
Police previously arrested the two motorcycle-riding suspects accused of carrying out the shooting outside Lipata’s residence in Caloocan City. Operations are continuing to locate and arrest the alleged masterminds.
elamigo/xf
