For reasons still unclear, a 19-year old BS Electrical Engineering student from De La Salle Lipa passed away in an apparent suicide at their house in Lipa City, Jan. 8.
According to the victim’s mother, she went looking for her son in his room when he did not come down for breakfast, only to find an empty bed. He was later found lifeless in another room of the house.
His family confirmed that there were no signs of foul play.
The mother described his son as a loving and outgoing student who enjoyed playing musical instruments and being a student athlete.
He was said not to have voiced out any problems, only that he had grown quiet in the past month.
DLSL students and faculty joined in mourning over his unexpected passing.
“Sa lahat ng times na naka-interact ko siya ay sobrang friendly niya, magulo at maloko pero masayahin at madaling pakisamahan,” said one of his close friends.
Another classmate added, “Kapag kaklase mo [siya], pagpasok pa lang ng room babatiin [ka] na agad, tipong mang-aasar na yan. […] Sobrang bait nya […] ‘Tsaka di mo mapapansin na may problema siya. Palagi siyang nakatawa.”
“Hindi s’ya uma-absent at magaling [siya sa klase]. Wala siyang problem sa grades, matataas,” said one of his teachers.
The victim’s mother believes that the unfortunate incident must serve as a lesson for others, saying, “Maging open at palaging makipag-usap, kasi siya sinolo niya eh. ‘Wag magpaka-seryoso sa mga bagay na hindi naman dapat. Mahalin ang sarili at alamin ang worth mo.”
[The identity of the student has been withheld upon the request of the family.]
Lavoxa advises its readers to seek help for mental health concerns. The National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline can be reached at 0917-899-8727 or 989-8727.
I’m just here with my shoulders to lean on. Your secrets shall be as good as mine.