Media Security TF joins probe of activist’s slay
KORONADAL CITY—The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is closely coordinating with the regional police in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos) to determine if the killing of Ali Macalintal is related to her previous engagement as radio broadcaster in General Santos City.
In a statement, PTFoMS executive director Jose Torres Jr. said the task force wanted to find out what triggered the attack on Macalintal, including the possibility that it might be connected to his previous engagement as entertainment anchor of radio station dxDX of government-owned Radio Philippines Network.
Macalintal, who had three bullet wounds, died while being taken to a hospital following the attack on Monday morning inside his spa in General Santos City.
Police Col. Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., General Santos City police director, confirmed that PTFoMS has communicated with his office on the progress of their investigation of the incident.
An acupuncturist, Macalintal, 39, was a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who left her radio broadcasting job in 2023 to put up a massage and spa clinic.
He also served as deputy secretary general of the rights group Karapatan in Soccsksargen region.
“The Task Force assures the public and the media community that justice will be pursued with urgency and transparency,” the PTFoMS said in a statement.
Possible motives
Olaivar said police are looking at three possible motives in the Macalintal murder.
Among these are business rivalry, her being a former radio commentator, and her “involvement with Left-leaning groups in the past.”
Olaivar said the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group was no longer needed since investigators had identified “persons of interest” in the murder. He, however, declined to provide details.
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate and the LGBTQIA+ group University of the Philippines-Mindanao Mentefuwaley (UPMin Mente) condemned the killing of Macalintal.
“I am outraged and deeply saddened by the senseless killing of Ali Macalintal,” Zarate said, recalling the times when Macalintal worked with them as paralegal of Union of Peoples Lawyers in Mindanao.
“[Her] death is a grave loss to the human rights community and a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those who champion justice in our country,” Zarate added.
UPMin Mente said: “The killing of Macalintal is not just an ordinary crime but a violation of human rights.”
