By Jennifer P. Rendon
A day after reporting that suicide incidents in the province have dramatically decreased, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) recorded another man who took his own life.
Police identified the victim as alias Senyong, 55, of GK Village in Barangay Bacjawan Sur, Concepcion, Iloilo.
Senyong’s 30-year-old son discovered his body morning of February 17 hanging from a branch of a tree.
Master Sergeant Edzel Ray Casia, Concepcion police investigator, said the area where Senyong allegedly took his life was forested and located some 200 meters away from their house.
His sons took him to Dr. Annie Rose Ehimplar, a Doctor to the Barrio volunteer, but was declared dead on arrival.
Proper to the incident, Senyong had a misunderstanding with his wife about an undisclosed family problem.
On Tuesday, the IPPO noted a decline in suicide cases in Iloilo.
Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said that since January 1 to February 15, they only had six suicide cases.
Records from the IPPO-Investigation and Detective Management Unit indicated that Pavia town recorded two cases and one each in Alimodian, Dueñas, Leon, and Sta. Barbara.
For the months of January and February of 2020, IPPO recorded 19 suicide cases.
According to reports, most of the victims suffered from depression before they committed suicide.
Of the six, only one was a minor while another one was in his early 20s. The rest of the victims were in their late 50s.
Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said that they will try to keep the downtrend in suicide cases.
“We know that there’s more to be done and other sectors of the society need to do to address the mental health problem,” Gorero said.
Meanwhile, the IPPO has reiterated that the “Pag-ulikid” Desks in all police units remain operational to cater individuals who need help, or to facilitate intervention to those who are in need of whatever support – moral, psychological or spiritual.
“The suicide deaths last year are higher than the fatalities due to COVID-19. This means that this problem also requires our serious attention,” Gorero said.
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.
