A transgender rights activist and radio commentator was fatally shot June 23 in what rights groups are calling a targeted killing, Human Rights Watch said today, June 27.
Ali Jejhon Macalintal, 39, was shot multiple times by a hooded gunman at her acupuncture clinic in General Santos City.
The assailant fled on a motorcycle, according to media reports. Police said they are investigating potential motives, including Macalintal’s activism and business ventures.
“Ali Macalintal's murder is a brutal reminder that engaging in any kind of activism in the Philippines carries grave risks,” said Carlos Conde, senior Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Macalintal, a trans woman, was a longtime advocate for LGBT rights, as well as the rights of Muslim Filipinos and Indigenous peoples in Mindanao. She served as deputy secretary general of the human rights group Karapatan until 2018 and previously worked as media liaison for the leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.
Authorities are being urged to investigate whether her killing was linked to her political activism or gender identity.
“Strong government action is needed to put an end to the targeting of Filipino activists. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. needs to demonstrate his commitment to human rights by ensuring justice for Macalintal and other victims of abuses,” Conde said.
Macalintal had been arrested in 2002 with two others over a department store bombing in which 15 people died. At the time, she was a member of the activist group Bayan Muna, often subjected to government surveillance and accusations of communist ties.
She spent eight years in detention before being acquitted in 2010. The court ruled the evidence against her was inadmissible. Macalintal said she was tortured while in custody.
Despite past threats and harassment — including a 2019 text message falsely announcing her death — Macalintal continued her advocacy. She reported ongoing harassment from security forces as recently as 2024.
“She was never afraid to speak truth to power and expose uncomfortable truths,” said Reyna Valmores Salinas, spokesperson for LGBT rights group Bahaghari.
