Trans Women Slain in Days, CHR Condemns Impunity

The Commission on Human Rights on June 27 condemned the killings of two transgender women occurring on June 23.

Ali Macalintal, a former broadcaster and human rights advocate, was shot dead at her workplace in General Santos City by an unknown assailant who fled on a motorcycle.

Her body, hit by three gunshots, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

On the same day, Gian Molina’s body was found in the Cagayan River near San Isidro, Iguig, under circumstances now under investigation.

The CHR noted these killings echo earlier attacks this year—including Ren Tampus in January and Shalani in February—marking a disturbing pattern of transfemicide motivated by misogyny and transphobia.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has called the SOGIESC Equality Bill a long-overdue legislative response to such violence, noting it passed the House in 2023 and awaits Senate approval.

According to the 2018 ASEAN SOGIE report, over 20 local government units in the Philippines had passed ordinances prohibiting SOGIE‑based discrimination.

The CHR has referred both cases to its Regional Offices for investigation, urging swift and impartial probes and accountability for perpetrators.

The Commission also emphasized the need for respecting victims’ gender identity in official records to prevent erasure and misgendering.

CHR further pledged to strengthen internal monitoring of transgender killings, especially incidents misclassified or overlooked due to lack of legal gender recognition.

The CHR reiterated its appeal for the 20th Congress to pass the SOGIESC Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti‑Discrimination Bill to ensure LGBTQIA rights under law.

The SOGIESC Equality Bill would penalize discrimination in employment, education, health services and public accommodations, with fines of PHP100,000–PHP500,000 or imprisonment of one to six years.

CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said, “Transgender individuals deserve to live without fear, and a life of equal dignity and rights.”

The CHR implored government agencies to act decisively to end impunity and protect marginalized communities.

CHR also reminded the public this Pride Month that beyond celebration, it is a protest against structural violence and a call to “reclaim the right to exist in dignity.”