Trans Activist Killed in Mindanao: Community Calls for Justice
A leading transgender rights activist, Ali Jejhon Macalintal, was killed in General Santos City, Mindanao, in a targeted shooting that has sent shock waves through the Filipino LGBT+ community and intensified calls for government action. Macalintal, a 39-year-old trans woman and passionate advocate for both LGBT+ Filipinos and other marginalized groups, was gunned down at her acupuncture clinic on June 23, 2025. According to reports, a hooded assailant entered the clinic, shot her several times, and then escaped on a motorcycle. As of today, July 3, the investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
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Quick take: Another activist silenced
Macalintal’s death highlights the persistent dangers faced by activists in the Philippines, especially those championing LGBT+ and human rights causes. Her murder is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern, with many recalling the notorious killings of other trans activists in recent years. Community leaders and international observers warn that these attacks speak to a climate of impunity and intolerance, particularly in Mindanao, which has long seen intersecting struggles for both LGBT+ acceptance and broader social justice.
Community response: Grief, anger, and a push for accountability
The news of Macalintal’s killing has triggered an outpouring of grief and calls for justice across the country and beyond. Human rights groups, local LGBT+ organizations, and community members gathered in vigils, using #JusticeForAliMacalintal to demand a transparent investigation and concrete action from law enforcement and government officials. Many are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to publicly reaffirm his commitment to human rights, with activists insisting that “strong government action is needed to put an end to the targeting of Filipino activists.”
Background: A life dedicated to advocacy
Ali Jejhon Macalintal was not only a prominent trans activist but also an outspoken supporter for Mindanao’s Muslim and Indigenous populations. She previously served as deputy-secretary general of the regional human rights group Karapatan and was a media liaison for Bagong Alyansang Makabayan. Her advocacy extended to the airwaves, where she hosted radio programs to amplify the marginalized voices of General Santos. Her colleagues describe her as “fearless, compassionate, and deeply committed to equality.”
What’s next?
The LGBT+ community and allies are watching closely, determined to prevent Ali Macalintal from becoming just another statistic in the country’s long list of slain activists. The push for justice continues, both for her and for all victims of hate and violence. As vigil organizers remind us: “Our safety is non-negotiable. We will not be silent.”
