Philippines arrests two suspects in killing of pro‑Marcos vlogger Alicia Lipata

Police in the Philippines have arrested two men suspected of murdering pro‑Marcos political vlogger Alicia “Mima Alicia” Lipata, who was shot dead in Caloocan City on July 17. The suspects, identified by the aliases M. S. (58, Caloocan) and J. A. (48, Cavite), were tracked to Mabalacat City in Pampanga. Authorities seized two hand grenades, a .45 pistol and a 9 mm pistol, the former believed to be the weapon used in the killing. Both men face murder charges and violations of firearms and explosives regulations.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who condemned Lipata’s killing, reported receiving hundreds of death threats on social media, with some users explicitly stating she would be the “next” target. Her staff has reported the threatening comments to Facebook and forwarded names and screenshots to the National Bureau of Investigation. Hontiveros urged platforms and authorities to act against the “culture of impunity” online while considering a possible presidential bid in 2028.