On the same day that the country and those in the LGBTQI community commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), a transgender student was found dead in Tawi-Tawi.

CHR, as the country’s Gender Ombud, condemns this violence and all other forms of gender-based violence directed against transgender and gender non-conforming people. Such heinous acts bring to light the dangers those in the LGBTQI community face, which robs them of their rights to live a life free from violence and discrimination.

The Commission has been relentless in pushing for the enactment of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill to provide legal mechanisms to hold to account perpetrators of gender-based discrimination.

This act of violence, yet again, further underlies the need for the government to address gender discrimination issues and ensure strengthened mechanisms of redress for victims of gender-based violence. In terms of gender education, there is a greater need to strengthen campaigns against hate, stigma, and discrimination.

We send our condolences to the bereaved family members and her loved ones. CHR for its part will be conducting a motu propio investigation, through its regional office in Region IX, and coordinate efforts with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission in the conduct of its parallel investigation with local authorities in pursuit of justice for the victim and his loved ones.