DoJ utility worker in suicide try dies in hospital

Department of Justice building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The utility worker who was found unconscious inside an office at the Department of Justice building in Manila on Monday afternoon passed away in the evening, it was learned.

Flor Aviles, sister-in-law of the victim, Arlyn Aviles, said Arlyn was declared dead at 7:25 p.m. by doctors at the Philippine General Hospital, where she was taken after the victim was found lying face down around 2:30 p.m. inside Room 127, the office of State Prosecutor Caridad M. Junio.

Police said Arlyn, of Poblacion, Muntinlupa City, drank a still undetermined poison. Found beside her was a suicide note addressed to an employee of the DoJ, whom she called “kuya.” The content of the note was not immediately available.

The victim’s friends and colleague from DearJohn Services, a janitorial agency contracted by the DoJ, said Aviles suffered depression after the agency lost at the DoJ bidding and learned she would not be absorbed by the DoJ.  Earlier, she had separated from her live-in partner, according to her friends.

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.