Media Quote
Responding to news that a journalist and transwoman human rights defender was killed in Mindanao, Amnesty International Philippines Acting Director Jepie Papa, said:
“Amnesty International Philippines condemns the killing of Ali Macalintal in General Santos City. Her case adds to the alarming toll of journalists and human rights defenders violently attacked in the Philippines, and continues to reflect a deeply entrenched culture of impunity in the country,
“The killing of Macalintal, a transwoman, happened during Pride month, and just days after UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan presented her final report on the Philippines. Khan flagged that attacks on journalists have not shifted from the same patterns observed during past administrations, and that investigations into these crimes have been “slow”,
The killing of Macalintal, a transwoman, happened during Pride month, and just days after UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan presented her final report on the Philippines. Khan flagged that attacks on journalists have not shifted from the same patterns observed during past administrations, and that investigations into these crimes have been “slow”.
Jepie Papa, Amnesty International Philippines Acting Director
“Amnesty International Philippines reiterates its concern that the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. The government has failed to present a clear roadmap to effectively address the situation, including by working to ensure that press freedom is protected. “President Marcos Jr. must do more than just issue statements. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has recorded at least 177 attacks on journalists since he took office. We urge him to take Khan’s recommendations seriously and commit to ensuring effective investigations into and full accountability for attacks against journalists, as well as adopting measures towards decriminalizing libel and amending laws such as the Freedom of Information Law and the Anti-Terrorism Act.”
Background:
On 23 June 2025, human rights defender and former broadcaster Ali Macalintal was reportedly shot dead by still unidentified assailants in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City, only four days after the UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan raised concerns over continued attacks on journalists. Police said an investigation is ongoing, including to determine whether the killing is connected with Macalintal’s work as a former journalist.