Manila: Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Thursday said she has reported to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) hundreds of social media users who allegedly posted death threats against her, as she condemned what she described as a growing culture of online violence following the killing of political vlogger Alicia Lipata, better known online as "Mima Alicia."

According to Philippines News Agency, Lipata, a 24-year-old pro-administration vlogger known for her political commentaries and criticism of Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies, was fatally shot in Caloocan City on July 17. The Philippine National Police has since identified two suspects in the case, although the motive remains under investigation.

In a statement, Hontiveros said online reactions to Lipata's death went beyond expressions of political disagreement, with some users celebrating the killing and others threatening that she would be "the next" target. "We are taking these threats seriously. My staff has routinely deleted and reported these disturbing comments on Facebook, and we have submitted to the NBI the names and screenshots of hundreds of Facebook users who have threatened to kill me," she said.

The senator urged social media platforms and law enforcement agencies to take stronger action against violent online behavior, warning that threats should never be dismissed as normal political discourse. "Hindi dapat maging normal sa atin ang pagbabanta sa buhay ng ating kapwa. Kahit gaano kalalim ang pagkakaiba natin sa pulitika, may hangganan ang ating mga pagtatalo (Threatening the lives of others must never become normal in our society. No matter how deep our political differences may be, our disagreements must have limits). We cannot allow such hatred to cost another life. We are better than this," Hontiveros said.