Family, friends remember Julia Buencamino, 15
“There are a lot of questions that are still unanswered,” said Ricky Gallardo, talent manager of the parents of young actress Julia Louise Buencamino, who was found dead Tuesday night at their residence in Barangay Valencia, Quezon City.
The death of the 15-year-old actress was ruled a suicide and her family had waived further investigation, the Quezon City police said.
Gallardo manages the careers of Julia’s parents, actors Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino.
Julia was a cast member of the ABS-CBN youth drama series “Oh My G!”
“The family feels devastated because of what happened. They ask for prayers. There was no sign that she was depressed,” Gallardo told the Inquirer on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Buencaminos made “a firm request to allow us to mourn her passing in private. We make this appeal for privacy also on behalf of those close to us, who wish to remember Julia and celebrate her life in peace and quiet.”
“We thank you for your love, understanding and prayers of support during this time of profound grief. Julia led a beautiful and blessed life, and she will be fondly remembered and terribly missed by her family and friends,” they added.
The young actress’ coworkers and production team also aired their condolences.
“Julia has been a joy to work with,” the “Oh My G!” team said in a statement. “[She was] a promising young actress and a sweet and kind girl who always freely gave out hugs on the set. We have lost a dear friend in Julia. In our hearts, she will always be our bestie.”
“We, the ‘Oh My G’ family, would like to extend our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the family of Julia Buencamino,” they said. “We are praying for her and her family’s strength in this trying time.”
Gallardo said Julia, the youngest of four siblings, was found dead by their household help. She was brought to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, where she was pronounced dead on
arrival.
Julia’s remains were brought to Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila.
Chief Insp. Rodelio Marcelo, head of the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said the hospital informed the police of the incident, following protocol. But when investigators came to the hospital, the teenager’s father executed a waiver saying the family no longer wanted to have any investigation conducted as “they fully believed that the incident was a suicide.” With reports from Jaymee T. Gamil and Jinky Cabildo
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.
