Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said debt, not political commentary, is being eyed as the primary motive in the killing of 24-year-old pro-Marcos vlogger Alicia Lipata, also known as “Mima Alicia.”

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, Nartatez said investigators have identified a business couple as the alleged masterminds behind the crime and are now being pursued by authorities.

According to the PNP chief, Lipata had an outstanding debt of about 8 million pesos to the suspects, which may have triggered the killing.

“It’s about the profession as well as the personal grudge or personal disagreement na nagsimula sa utang,” Nartatez said.

Earlier, two riding-in-tandem suspects were arrested by the Northern Police District in Mabalacat, Pampanga, in connection with the fatal shooting of the victim.

Police said follow-up operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the alleged masterminds.