BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City police on Monday recorded the city’s ninth suspected suicide case during the quarantine.
Police Col. Allen Rae Co said Raymund Alaba, 23, of Saranggani province, was found hanging at his room in New Lucban by his landlady.
Alaba’s body had been cut down by the time responding policemen arrived at the crime scene at 11 a.m., Co said.
At press time, forensic investigators are still investigating the scene.
The Baguio City police and the city’s medical community have been concerned about cases of self-harm since the pandemic was first declared.
One case involved a 64-year-old man who believed he had contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while the youngest on record since March is a 13-year-old, Co said.
In the Philippines, people feeling they need help may call the National Center for Mental Health’s (NCMH) hotline numbers: 0917899-USAP (8727) or 989-USAP.
They may also reach out to suicide prevention group Hopeline Philippines by calling 804-HOPE (4673); 0917-558-HOPE (4673); or 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers).