THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines’ Babaylan, which prides itself as the oldest LGBTQI student organization in the country, joined calls for justice on the killing of transgender woman Cindy Torres in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

“We condemn the violent killing of Cindy, a trans woman from Bulacan, as the latest casualty of a cissexist society that systematically violates transgender rights and lives,” the group said in a statement.

“Over 50 LGBTQI Filipinos have been killed since 2010. Let’s put an end to this cycle of hate now,” it added.

Torres, 39, was reportedly stabbed multiple times by a man who was allegedly borrowing money. The suspect has been arrested by the police.

UP Babaylan also renewed its support for the enactment of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality Bill, which seeks to provide legal mechanisms to hold account perpetrators of gender-based discrimination.

“We need #SOGIEEqualityNow to protect us from SOGIESC-based discrimination & harassment, & #AntiHateCrimeLawNow to stop anti-LGBTQI violence. One LGBTQI life lost is one too many. #JusticeForCindy! Justice for all trans lives! End anti-LGBTQI violence now!” it said.