Policeman fatally shoots self in Catarman
CATARMAN, Northern Samar – A 27-year-old policeman who was reportedly suffering from severe depression shot himself inside a hotel here on Sunday evening.
The Catarman police identified the victim as Patrolman Willard Castillo.
According to Police Major Eddie Esidera, chief of police in Catarman, Castillo was supposed to report back to their provincial headquarters on Monday after a two-month treatment for his alleged mental illness.
On Sunday, November 3, Castillo was accompanied by his father in traveling from San Vicente to Catarman where they checked in to spend the night at the RVBD Hotel along Quirino Street.
While inside their room, the two had dinner together when Castillo excused himself and told his father that he would just buy something outside.
Not long after Castillo had gone out, his father heard gunfire.
When he opened the door, he saw his son sprawled on the floor.
Based on the investigation, Castillo shot himself using his service firearm.
Esidera said Castillo was not his normal self and had been acting differently in the past months while he was still assigned at the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) in Allen.
“He would not speak with anyone. That’s why he was rescued and was taken custody at our holding unit,” Esidera said.
Castillo reportedly got heartbroken due to a failed relationship with his girlfriend and also had inferiority issues.
His remains lie in state at the St. Peter’s Memorial Chapel in Catarman.
HOW TO GET HELP
Hopeline, a 24/7 suicide prevention hotline in the Philippines, may be reached at landline numbers (02) 804-4673; and mobile numbers 0917-5584673 or 0917-5582919.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.
