Makabayan seeks probe of attacks vs transgenders

The Makabayan bloc is seeking a congressional inquiry into the reported attacks on transgenders, including at least one homicide, as it aims to institute measures that would penalize these hate crimes.

Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago, Kabataan Rep. Renee Co and Act Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio filed House Resolution No. 1369 last week calling on the House committee on women and gender equality to conduct a probe in aid of legislation into the “alarming” cases of transgender deaths.

They also cited the need to “assess the efficacy and responsiveness of current law enforcement and justice mechanisms” in addressing transfemicide, or the killing of trans individuals driven by transphobia, homophobia and other forms of gender violence.

The groups cited at least four cases in the last three months alone, which they said reflects a crisis of hatred and impunity.

Among them were transgender woman Jang Macawili, who was reportedly shot multiple times at a cafe in Cebu City on Aug. 10; transwoman Betty Benito, who was found dead in a forest in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon province, on July 28; transwoman Teddy Federico, a barangay worker and indigenous peoples (IP) leader also found dead on July 15 after missing for days; and 20-year-old transwoman Jang Macawili, who was found dead in an irrigation canal in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija province, on June 20.

“This pattern of violence constitutes a severe violation of the right to life and security of persons and underscores the urgent need for legislative action to address hate crimes, strengthen protective mechanisms and dismantle systemic discrimination that fuels such violence,” they stressed.

See Also

MMDA asks NBI’s help in probing scam using NCAP

The Society of Trans Women of the Philippines supported the House resolution as it pointed out the urgency of investigating the killings of transgenders.

“We are hopeful that this legislative measure is a step towards enacting rightful justice, not just for the lives already lost, but also for the future of the entire transgender community,” the group said.