By Gabriela Baron
A senior high school student died after falling from the ninth floor of a building inside the University of the East (UE) Caloocan City campus Monday, Jan. 23.
The victim was rushed to the Manila Central University Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, UE Caloocan mourned the death of the student.
“[The] entire UE community is in mourning in the wake of this tragic loss of a young life, and we enjoin everyone to pray for his eternal repose,” UE President and Chief Academic Officer Zosimo Battad said in a statement.
“We kindly request that the privacy of his family and loved ones be respected at this difficult time, and that no one share any unfounded information about the student and his untimely demise,” Battad added.
Battad said the University said it immediately cooperated with the Philippine National Police following the incident.
Students’ mental health should be paid attention to
The Anxiety and Depression Support Philippines (ADSP), a support group community and mental health initiative, stressed the importance of prioritizing students’ mental health.
“Students’ mental health should be paid attention to. If you are going through something, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. Let’s be respectful at this time of tragic loss for the sake of the deceased and the grieving loved ones,” ADSP said in a statement.
It also asked the public not to share triggering details or sensitive photos of the incident.
“Let’s also take this time to check on our [loved] ones and our own mental status.” — ag
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health matters, call the National Center for Mental Health hotline at 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe; 0908-639-2672 for Smart; or 1553 (landline to landline, toll-free). You may also call Hopeline PH: 0917-558-4673, 0918-8734-673, 880-44673, or In Touch: Crisis Line: 0928-8937-603.