Trans Rights Activist Killed in General Santos City, Investigation Underway

The Filipino LGBT+ community is once again facing heartbreak and fury after the killing of Ali Jejhon Macalintal, a respected trans rights activist and community leader, in General Santos City. Macalintal, 39, was gunned down in her acupuncture clinic in Barangay Lagao on June 23, 2025. According to police reports, a hooded gunman entered the clinic in broad daylight, shot her multiple times, and fled the scene on a motorcycle, a chilling reminder of the risks faced by LGBT+ activists nationwide.

Authorities pursue leads as community demands answers

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with police now exploring several possible motives, including connections to Macalintal’s activism and her recent business activities. Police Col. Nicomedes Olaivar Jr. stated in a radio interview that law enforcement is also looking at her prior involvement in left-leaning groups.READ MORE

While the police have not yet publicly identified suspects, community leaders and rights advocates are pressing for swift and transparent action. Human Rights Watch and local organizations have called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to demonstrate his commitment to justice and human rights by ensuring accountability for Macalintal’s murder and implementing stronger protections for activists.DETAILS HERE

Grief, outrage, and the fight for safety

News of the killing has sparked a wave of grief and outrage online and on the ground. Vigils have been organized in General Santos and across the country. The hashtag #JusticeForAliMacalintal continues to trend, uniting activists, allies, and families in their demand to end the impunity that repeatedly puts Filipino LGBT+ lives at risk.MORE COVERAGE

Macalintal’s story is tragically familiar in the Philippines, where advocacy often comes with threats and violence. Data shows that over half of LGBT+ Filipinos have experienced harassment on the street, and a significant number have faced physical assaults or worse.BACKGROUND This climate of vulnerability is further intensified for those visible in social justice and political spaces.

Legacy of a fearless advocate

Ali Jejhon Macalintal was more than just an activist, she was a pillar for the LGBT+ community and marginalized sectors in Mindanao. Her work as deputy secretary-general of Karapatan in General Santos, her broadcasts amplifying community voices, and her solidarity with Muslim and Indigenous groups drew admiration from all corners. Colleagues remember her as fearless, compassionate, and dedicated.

What’s next?

As the investigation continues, calls for accountability have only grown louder. The community insists that this case not be reduced to another statistic. For now, their message is clear: unsafe streets and workplaces can never be the norm, and the lives of LGBT+ Filipinos deserve urgent protection. As one vigil organizer put it, “Our safety is non-negotiable. We will not be silent.”