Rights groups condemned the killing of former human rights worker and radio broadcaster Ali Macalintal, who was gunned down on June 23 inside an acupuncture clinic in General Santos City.
Macalintal, a former deputy secretary general of Karapatan SOCSKSARGENDS and former broadcaster, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Initial reports from local media said the assailant entered the clinic and shot her at close range.
Karapatan called for “the swift investigation of the killing of Macalintal and to bring to justice the perpetrators of this gruesome killing.”
National LGBTQI+ alliance Bahaghari likewise denounced the killing, describing Macalintal as “a trans woman human rights advocate and media professional.”
Macalintal took part in the 2017 Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya in solidarity with Moro and Lumad communities facing attacks. She also joined a fact-finding mission in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat during the implementation of martial law in Mindanao under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In addition to her advocacy work, she had initiated efforts to establish a chapter of Bahaghari in the region and was known for her fearless stance in confronting abuses and speaking out against injustice.
“We lost a powerful voice in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Ali’s bravery will not be forgotten by the community during Pride month,” said Reyna Valmores Salinas, chairperson of Bahaghari.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) expressed that it will “pursue justice with urgency and transparency” in the case.
In a statement, the task force said it is closely coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 12 and is “investigating the motive behind the attack, including the possibility that it may be connected to the victim’s previous work in media.”
In February 2019, Macalintal was the subject of an urgent alert issued by Karapatan, which reported that she had been harassed by a suspected state agent who used a mobile number to circulate false messages claiming she had been killed.
Prior to that, she was reportedly accosted by a masked man on an unlicensed motorcycle who threatened her, asking: “Do you want to be brought to hell or paradise?” The incident occurred shortly after Karapatan led a rally in General Santos condemning a spate of extrajudicial killings.
Macalintal was widely known for her work with grassroots organizations and as a former host of the radio program Dear Ka-Bandera on Radyo Bandera News FM Gensan. She was also a trained acupuncturist and was recognized by colleagues as a compassionate advocate and healer.
A tribute posted by her former colleagues read: “Ali was more than a voice on air… She was an acupuncturist, a healer, an advocate, and a safe space for many. Her calm, compassionate spirit touched lives both on and off the mic.”
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