A CATHOLIC bishop on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, lamented the rising number of suicide cases in the Philippines, calling such incidents a “national tragedy.”
Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a radio interview that it is unacceptable that a growing number of Filipinos are taking their own lives.
“Every suicide is a national tragedy that we must work together to prevent,” Santos said.
The statement was issued after the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that nearly 2,000 Filipinos committed suicide in the first half of 2025.
Most of the cases, the PNP said, involved victims of physical and online bullying.
PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III said the situation calls for increased mental health awareness.
Santos agreed with Torre, saying there is a need for mental health to enter the “national and spiritual consciousness.”
“The suffering of the mind and spirit must be treated with as much compassion and urgency as the wounds of the body,” the prelate said.
He then appealed to the government to take action to address mental health concerns.
“Let us respond not only with policies but with compassion… Mental wellness is not a privilege — it is a right,” Santos said.
Santos said the faithful must also do their part in supporting those struggling with mental health issues.
“Saving lives is a mission that belongs to all of us… May we, as a nation, remember that our true healing begins in our willingness to care,” Santos said. / SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES
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.