Human Rights Watch Demands Justice for Ali Macalintal
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Human Rights Watch has called on government officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of transgender woman Ali Macalintal. The group suggested the attack might be linked to her long-standing ties with leftist organizations.
Macalintal, 39, was fatally shot on June 23 inside her massage and spa clinic located in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City. Her murder has raised serious concerns about the dangers faced by activists in the Philippines.
“Ali Macalintal’s murder is a brutal reminder that engaging in any kind of activism in the Philippines carries grave risks,” said a senior Asia researcher from Human Rights Watch. The organization stressed the urgent need for strong government action to stop the targeting of Filipino activists.
They urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prove his commitment to human rights by ensuring justice for Macalintal and all victims of similar abuses.
Ali Macalintal’s Advocacy and Background
Macalintal was a passionate advocate for LGBT rights and also championed the causes of Muslim Filipinos and indigenous communities in Mindanao. She held the position of deputy secretary general for the human rights group Karapatan in the Soccsksargen region. Additionally, she served as a media liaison for the leftist alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.
Authorities must investigate whether her murder was motivated by her political activism or her gender identity, Human Rights Watch emphasized.
Past Activism and Detention
In 2002, while part of the activist group Bayan Muna, Macalintal and two other Moros were arrested for alleged involvement in a bombing that killed 15 people in General Santos City. They endured eight years in police custody before the court ruled in 2010 that the evidence against them was inadmissible. Macalintal claimed they were subjected to mistreatment and torture during detention.
Despite these hardships, she remained undeterred in her activism. Human Rights Watch noted that Karapatan received reports of harassment against her by security forces as recently as last year.
“She was never afraid to speak truth to power and expose uncomfortable truths,” said Reyna Valmores Salinas, spokesperson for the LGBT rights group Bahaghari.
Calls for Accountability and Protection
The recent killing of Ali Macalintal highlights the ongoing threats faced by activists and the marginalized in the Philippines. Local advocates and human rights groups continue to call for justice and stronger protections for those who defend human rights.
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