Suicide cases in Iloilo up to 72

Police in Iloilo province recorded 72 suicide cases by end-September 2020, higher than the 67 cases in the same period last year.

A 54-year-old male who shot himself morning of Sept 30 in Passi City was the latest victim. He was reportedly suffering from depression.

Police records also indicated that most of the victims were males (48 cases) between 17 to 30 years old.

Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo provincial police director, said the community quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a part in the victims deciding to end their lives.

“We could presume that this pandemic aggravates the psychological and emotional stress of persons in difficult situations. And we fear that if we do not take actions, the number of victims would increase in the remaining months of this year,” Gorero said.

Based on the result of the investigation, most victims committed suicide by hanging.

Thirty-one towns in Iloilo Province have incidents of suicide.

Passi City has the most number of suicides with nine incidents. Cabatuan and Leon have five cases each; Dingle and Janiuay have four each; and Banate, Carles, Lambunao, Miagao, San Enrique and Zarraga posted three cases each.

Gorero said that while suicide is primarily not a concern of the police, the Iloilo PNP is taking steps to address the problem.

“We have established the Pag-ulikid Desk in all police stations to cater individuals suffering from mental or emotional problems. Our personnel can facilitate or recommend to our clients the needed interventions and facilitate them to appropriate agencies in order to address their issues,” he said.

All police stations have disseminated the hotline numbers of their respective Pag-ulikid Desks. Massive awareness campaigns on social media are also being undertaken in the hope of preventing any person from committing suicide.

Meanwhile, Gorero asked families to be more observant with the sudden changes in the behavior of their relatives.

He also encouraged them to seek for professional help should a family member exhibit emotional and mental stress.

“Depression is deadly. We must act fast the soonest a member of our family or community is showing signs of this problem,” he added.

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.