The Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) 2025 report from TGEU reveals a distressing global scenario, documenting the murder of 281 trans and gender diverse individuals worldwide between October 2024 and September 2025. Although this is a slight decrease from the 350 reported the previous year, it offers no comfort.TGEU The figures highlight a worrying trend: 14% of the victims were trans activists, up from 9% in 2024, indicating targeted efforts to silence their voices. This global crisis is keenly felt in the Philippines, underscoring the need for immediate national intervention.
A Deadly Pattern Targeting Activists
Worldwide, a staggering 90% of the victims were trans women or transfeminine individuals, with 88% being Black or Brown trans people, illustrating the combined effects of misogyny, racism, and transphobia.TGEU While sex workers remain highly targeted at 34%, the rising number of activists being killed is particularly concerning. TGEU is calling on governments to safeguard human rights defenders, align hate crime statutes, and educate professionals about anti-trans violence.
In the Philippines, the tragic murder of Ali Macalintal on June 23, 2025, starkly illustrates this threat. As a transgender rights advocate and radio host, she was fatally shot by a masked attacker in Mindanao, a chilling reminder of the dangers faced amid widespread violence.Human Rights Watch Her death is part of a disturbing pattern of extrajudicial killings, with 238 drug war-related fatalities reported by Dahas from January to November 2025, including targeted attacks by motorcycle-riding gunmen in urban areas.
Philippines’ Wake-Up Call
Even though TMM has tracked global cases since 2009, accumulating a total of 5,322 murders, the Philippines lacks a specific monitoring system, causing trans Filipinos to remain unseen in data voids.TGEU Human Rights Watch points out the ongoing harassment and red-tagging of activists, along with a lack of accountability for security forces, which perpetuates a culture of fear. The prosecution of Duterte for ICC-related offenses is progress, yet specific protections for trans people are still absent.
It’s time for immediate action: Establish a national database for trans murders, pass definitive hate crime legislation, and secure funding for the protection of trans leaders. Community organizations, especially those allied with TGEU, can spearhead verification initiatives. The lives of Trans Pinoys, bakla, trans women, and their supporters are at stake. We must transform these global warnings into decisive local measures, mga bes. We cannot let our voices be silenced next.
To the trans advocates in the Philippines, know that you’re not alone. Share your experiences and hold authorities accountable because true pride goes hand in hand with safety.
