The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the recent killings of two transgender women. On 23 June 2025, Ali Macalintal, a transgender woman and former broadcaster, was gunned down at her workplace. On the same day, the lifeless body of Gian Molina, a proud and outspoken transgender woman, was found in a river.
Reports confirm that Macalintal, a human rights advocate, was shot in General Santos City by an unidentified assailant who fled the scene with a motorcycle. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead on arrival after sustaining three gunshot wounds. Her death, among other attacks on media workers, serves as a grave reminder of the risks faced by those working at the intersection of media and human rights.
Meanwhile, Molina’s body was discovered in the Cagayan River near San Isidro, Iguig. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of her death, though no confirmation has been made regarding the possibility of foul play.
Early this year, two transgender women have also fallen victim to violence: Ren Tampus, a 35-year-old beauty salon owner, who was gunned down in January in General Santos; and Shalani, who was found dead and dismembered in February in Caloocan City.
These killings, marked by cruelty and impunity, reflect a disturbing pattern of transfemicide—the gender-based killing of transgender women—driven by misogyny, transphobia, and the systemic belief that their lives are disposable. It is imperative that our society name this violence for what it is.
On its part, the Commission has endorsed these cases to the respective CHR Regional Offices for investigation. As the country’s Gender Ombud, we remain relentless in our call to advocate for policies and laws which protect the rights of the LGBTQIA community.
As the beginning of the 20th Congress draws close, the CHR calls for the urgent passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill. The passage of these bills do not grant special privileges to the LGBTQIA community; rather, ensure safe and just environment where they can live and thrive without fear. We also recall our No More Missing Out campaign – highlighting how stigma, discrimination and hate crimes deprive LGBTQIA persons with a life of equal dignity and rights – reiterating the urgent call to pass the 25-year-old SOGIE Equality Bill and CADB.
While inclusion and acceptance have slowly become the norm, incidents similar to this remind us that there is much to be done to finally put a stop on the culture of transphobia, homophobia and discrimination in the country. These acts further highlight the need for the Philippine government to directly address gender discrimination issues, while ensuring accessible redress mechanisms for victims and their families.
The Commission urges law enforcement agencies to conduct swift and impartial investigations into the deaths of Macalintal and Molina. It is imperative that those responsible for these violent acts be held accountable to end the culture of impunity surrounding violence against marginalized communities.
We also urge law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions to respect the gender identity of victims in all official records, reports, and public communications. Misgendering and erasure of transgender individuals’ identities in documentation further perpetuate violence and discrimination.
Furthermore, the CHR reiterates its commitment to strengthen its internal mechanisms to monitor and document killings of transgender persons—especially those misclassified, unreported, or excluded from mainstream media coverage due to the lack of legal gender recognition. Ensuring accurate and inclusive data is critical to accountability and long-term protection.
CHR reaffirms that transgender individuals deserve to live without fear, and a life of equal dignity and rights. Together, we call for urgent and sustained efforts to ensure their safety, dignity, and equal protection under the law.
This Pride Month, let us remember that beyond being a colorful celebration of identity and diversity, it is a protest—a call to confront structural violence and reclaim the right to exist in dignity. ###