DESPITE the presence of police officers, there are still people who attempt to jump off the two bridges that link the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

Four persons have attempted to take their own lives after the suicide of a 16-year-old boy on Aug. 17, 2019, according to Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) Director Jonathan Abella. However, these persons were rescued by MCPO personnel assigned to monitor the Marcelo Fernan and Sergio Osmeña bridges.

“Those who attempted to jump had problems with their respective families,” Abella said in Cebuano.

The police official said the deployment of his personnel at the bridges has been a big help in preventing suicide.

Wanting to be efficient in preventing suicide, the MCPO personnel underwent a special seminar last Nov. 3 on the proper procedure in responding to depressed individuals. The police officers were also taught how to deal with teenagers who attempt suicide.

The MCPO personnel still continue to monitor the two bridges every day, from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day. Abella also requested the barangays to deploy tanods at the two bridges in the morning to prevent depressed individuals from jumping to their deaths. (KFD)