The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) recently revealed there were a total of 79 reported suicide cases in the province last year, which is higher than the 65 cases recorded in 2018.
“Suicide incidents continue to rise despite our massive awareness campaign,” explained IPPO director, Police Colonel Roland Vilela. “Investigations are being done to know the reason.”
“Parents are advised to talk to their children often to know their problems,” he added.
The police official also admitted the awareness campaign may have been insufficient in enlightening young people and said parents must also play a bigger role in helping prevent more cases of suicide.
“We are doing our role as police officers [by conducting the] massive campaign but I think parents and the church must also [be] involved,” Vilela stated. “Sa mga magulang, kausapin n’yo palagi ang mga anak n’yo para malaman ninyo kung ano ang kanilang problema kasi minsan napabayaan na natin ang ating mga anak at hindi natin alam na mabigat na pala ang kanilang nararamdam that resulted to end their life (To the parents, always talk to your children so you are aware of their problems because, sometimes, we neglect our kids and we don’t know what is weighing on their feelings that resulted in them taking their own life).”
According to the data, most of the victims were males between the ages of 10 and 19. In addition, Passi City recorded the most cases with seven.
Meanwhile, the reasons for suicide were reported to be depression, family matters, and love problems.
The IPPO chief said he hopes suicide cases will decrease in 2020./WDJ