Ebeng Mayor (Photo from Transman Equality and Awareness Movement – Philippines)
On May 21, transmasculine Ebeng Mayor was found dead with evidence of mutilation and rape after being reported missing for three days.
In a separate incident, the body of trans woman Jhie Bangkiao was found naked in the middle of the cemetery in Alangalang, Leyte.
Both members of the transgender community were found brutally murdered a few days after the commemoration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
In a statement, Gabriela Youth Pampanga said the murder of Mayor and Bangkiao points to a hate crime.
“Ito’y isang malinaw na manipestasyon na hindi ligtas at kailangan ng matibay na proteksyon at seguridad ng mga kasapi ng nasabing komunidad (This is a clear manifestation that it’s unsafe for the members of the community and we need strong protection and secutity),” the group said