CHR probes shaving of women's heads in Maguindanao as punishment for being lesbians

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started an investigation on the shaving of the heads of six women between ages 16 to 20 in a community in Ampatuan, Maguindanao as their punishment for being lesbians.

In a statement, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said their office in Region XII is already investigating the incident.

"CHR finds this incident deeply concerning, especially as the country celebrates Pride Month this June. As the country’s Gender Ombud and independent national human rights institution, CHR continues to stress that no person should ever suffer discrimination and harm on the basis of one’s affiliation or creed, or because of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). All persons are free and equal in dignity and rights. LGBTQI rights are human rights," De Guia said.

De Guia cited a social media post by a local news organization that claimed that the forced head shaving was done because Islamic beliefs prohibit homosexuality.

She said religious beliefs should not justify a human rights violation.

"Religious freedom, while it includes the absolute right to believe in a dogma, cannot transgress on the rights of others nor be used to justify harm and violence. This is especially so when current laws, such as the Safe Spaces Act, uphold the right of all persons from harassment, including protection from remarks and slurs that betray hatred and fear of members of the LGBTQI community," De Guia said.

She said that ending the stigma, discrimination, and violence faced by the LGBTQI community should be a concern of all.

The CHR maintained that the LGBTQI community is part of the Philippine society that deserves equal rights to safety and security in private and public spaces.

"The right to dignity includes the right of every person to be able to live their truths as to their identity; to be able to express; to be recognized; and to be respected as humans with rights," CHR said.

Photos included in a 24 Oras report showed the young women being shaved bald, surrounded by onlookers. Some photos also showed the hair hacked off at different lengths.

One of the women's relatives said that the public punishment stemmed from a parent's complaint.

Maguindanao 2nd District Board Member King Mangudadatu planned to hold a meeting with the women and their parents over the issue, expressing concern over the trauma the women may be experiencing due to the community's actions. -MDM, GMA News