College student commits suicide over arduous online classes

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The Department of Health has established suicide prevention hotlines in the country. For those who need help, they could call 0917-899-8727 (USAP) and 0917-989-8727 (USAP). Other helplines include that of In Touch Philippines with call crisis lines +63 2  893 7603 (Landline); +63 917 800 1123 (Globe); and +63 922 893 8944  (Sun). The Philippine Red Cross’ 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, toll-free HOPELINE 2919 (for Globe & TM Subscribers) 091 7558 4673 or 8044673.

 

Difficulty in dealing with his online classes allegedly drove a 22-year-old man to hang himself in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Alias Jojo (not his real name) died of apparent suicide on January 25, 2021.

He allegedly took his own life inside their house at Barangay Tabucan.

The victim was a first-year college student taking up Bachelor of Science in Social Work at a private school in Iloilo City.

His mother claimed that he has been complaining lately that he was having a hard time dealing with his online class.

He was even quoted to have said, “daw ma-suicide na gid ko ya sa pagkabudlay.”

The victim said that they were just given class works and were expected to pass them.  He added that he was pressured because of limited time to accomplish tasks.

Jojo’s mother claimed that the family has been giving him support by letting him concentrate on his classes.

On Sunday evening, Jojo went for a night out with a girlfriend and he again mentioned ending his life citing difficulties in his studies.

Recently, authorities have sounded alarm of the number of suicide cases in Western Visayas.