TWO separate suicide incidents were reported in 40 hours at the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, raising renewed concern over safety and mental health risks at one of Cebu’s major thoroughfares.
The first incident occurred at 7:26 a.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025, when a 65-year-old man reportedly jumped off the bridge. The victim, a married resident of Purok Lemonsito, Barangay Umapad, was transported to the Mandaue City District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Responders from Barangay Opao provided emergency first aid at the scene before bringing the victim to the hospital.
According to the victim’s son, the man had long battled depression due to a chronic illness. Investigators ruled out foul play.
The second case occurred at 11:26 p.m. Monday, July 28, when another man jumped from the same bridge. The 39-year-old victim, a resident of the City of Naga, Cebu, was rescued alive by nearby fishermen with assistance from personnel of the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
He was taken to the Mandaue City District Hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Authorities said the attempt was reportedly triggered by family-related issues.
Persistent challenge
Following the two incidents, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) acknowledged persistent challenges in preventing suicides at the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.
MCPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Mercy Villaro said various measures have been put in place to deter such incidents, including reinforcing and extending fencing along the bridge’s pedestrian walkways.
Villaro said security personnel are deployed in the area and closed-circuit television cameras have been installed, although it is unclear whether all cameras are functional.
She explained that while police officers conduct regular roving patrols on the bridge, especially in pedestrian areas, suicide attempts often happen so quickly that they are difficult to prevent.
“It all happens so fast there. They either get off or stop at the top, then look for a way to jump down. They wait for the right moment when no one is passing by,” Villaro said in Cebuano.
She added that Bantay Dagat personnel stationed below the bridge for maritime monitoring have helped ensure quick rescue responses.
Villaro reminded the public to be sensitive to the struggles of those around them and encouraged individuals to seek help when overwhelmed by personal burdens.
She said professionals and centers are available for those seeking help, adding that friends should check in on family members and loved ones, ask how they are and listen to their problems.
Common suicide sites
The Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, or the first bridge, have been identified as common sites for suicide incidents and attempts.
From 2015 to 2024, at least 10 fatal jumps were reported at the two bridges, according to news reports. In the same period, at least 27 individuals were rescued or prevented from jumping at the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.
In September 2019, the Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board reported monitoring a total of 17 suicide attempts and four fatal suicide cases for the year.
Villaro urged the public to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing mental health concerns before they escalate. / CAV
Individuals suffering from depression and needing assistance may also call the following numbers:
HopeLine Hotlines at (02) 804-HOPE (4673); 0917 558 HOPE (4673); and 2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers).
DOH suicide prevention hotlines:
0917-899-8727 and 0917-989-8727.
For emergency concerns in Mandaue City, individuals may contact the Bantay Mandaue Command Center through the following numbers: (032) 383-1658 / 346-0784 (landline) and 09171116633 (cellphone).