EXPLAINER: Who was slain vlogger 'Mima Alicia'?

Alicia Lipata, better known by her online name “Mima Alicia,” was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants outside her home in Barangay 171, Caloocan City, early on July 17.

Her live-in partner, who was with her at the time, was wounded in the attack.

The Northern Police District (NPD) has formed the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “MIMA” to conduct a focused and expeditious investigation into the killing.

“The SITG has been directed to employ all available investigative and intelligence resources to identify, locate, and apprehend the perpetrators and establish the motive behind this crime,” the NPD said in a statement.

According to initial reports, Lipata and her partner had 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.

What angle is being looked into?

Mima Alicia, 24, was a content creator known for political commentary.

On her social media platforms, she frequently discussed government issues and openly supported the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. She was also known for criticizing Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies.

Aside from vlogging, Lipata was a member of the United Vloggers and Influencers of the Philippines (UVIP), a pro-administration group of content creators.

Authorities said they are looking into several possible angles, including her outspoken online views and previous lawsuits involving people with whom she had clashed on social media.

The police urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspects or establish a motive to come forward.—Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo with research from GMA DigiLab/MCG, GMA News