Trans activist killed in Negros Occidental clash

Seven individuals, including trans woman activist and former UP Cebu student leader Jhon Isidor "Dee" Supelanas, were killed in an armed encounter with the military in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, April 27.

The military identified Supelanas, also known as "Dalia," as a political instructor for the NPA's southwest front.

Supelanas was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated student leader who championed academic freedom and youth rights, protesting against fascism and tyranny.

She was involved in student organizations like Anakbayan UP Cebu and the National Union of Students of the Philippines Cebu, and served on the UP Cebu student council from 2019 to 2021.

The official student publication of UP Cebu, 'Tug-ani,' confirmed Supelanas's activism, citing her fight for free education, basic social services, good governance, and democratic rights.

Supelanas had previously joined a fact-finding mission investigating the killings of 14 Negros farmers in 2019, an event she witnessed under the "violence of state fascism" during the Duterte administration.