The Philippine National Police (PNP) lauded law enforcement units on Friday, July 24, for the rapid apprehension of two primary suspects linked to the fatal shooting of political vlogger Alicia “Mima Alicia” Lipata in Caloocan City.

Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, commended investigators for the swift breakthrough but said the operation would not stop until everyone behind the killing is arrested.

“This successful operation proves once again the significant improvements that the PNP attained in terms of investigation and crime-solving. From almost no clues, your police were able to identify and eventually arrest two suspects,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“I commend all our investigators and those involved in the operation for a job well done. But this does not end here. We have to identify and arrest all those responsible for this cowardly and senseless killing,” he added.

Lipata, a pro-Marcos vlogger making commentaries about political issues in the country, was shot dead outside her house in Caloocan City on July 17.

The PNP formed a Special Investigation Task Group to handle the case and track down the perpetrators.

Investigators utilized closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area, which led authorities to identify the suspects within 24 hours. A follow-up police operation eventually tracked the men to Barangay Dau in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, resulting in their arrest on July 23, less than a week after the incident.

PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co identified the suspects as alias M.S., 58, the alleged gunman and a resident of Caloocan City; and alias J.A., 48, from Cavite.

A .45 caliber pistol believed to have been used in the shooting, along with a 9mm pistol and two hand grenades were recovered from the suspects.

Investigators said they were pursuing other persons of interest and determining whether the killing was politically motivated or linked to Lipata's personal life, while also looking into a possible connection to a criminal syndicate based in the southern part of the country.

“In relation to this development, I already tasked our men to intensify manhunt operations against other individuals who may be involved in the planning and execution of the killing of our victim,” Nartatez said.

The PNP reiterated its commitment to leaving no stone unturned as the criminal complaints move through judicial proceedings.

“We will not stop until we hold everyone involved in the killing of the victim accountable,” Nartatez said.