Trigger warning: this article contains mentions of suicide.
Two male bodies were found separately along a river in Malabon on early Monday, August 18.
RH Edwin Duque reported that the male was wearing an all-black ensemble, including a bonnet. The body was found floating along the river with handcuffs.
The report had also mentioned that someone had come forward, telling authorities about their missing nephew. According to police, the nephew had left a suicide note before suddenly disappearing. He was also wearing a similar ensemble.
Moreover, they said that their nephew had sent them a video detailing the problem he’s going through and his decision to disappear.
However, the individuals who came forward did not claim the body, as investigations are still ongoing to verify the identity of the male corpse.
In an update by Duque, he said that the body had been identified after the latter’s relatives and classmates arrived at the scene. The male was confirmed to be a 21-year-old college student at a school in Quezon City.
According to his classmates, the individual had left them a message and had previously spoken to them about the challenges he was going through. Meanwhile, his relatives mentioned that they had felt a shift in the former’s actions prior to the victim’s attempt.
Authorities mentioned that it is likely that the 21-year-old did take his own life, as his backpack contained gravel, four kinds of circular dumbbells, and other plastic objects that added weight. However, police officials mentioned that the body still floated.
In addition, police said that the body may have come from a different area but eventually drifted to the location where he was found.
Meanwhile, another body was found floating in a separate area along Potrero Malabon. According to authorities, there is also a possibility that it drifted from Quezon City or Valenzuela City.
As of writing, authorities have yet to identify the identity of the individual who was found floating in the separate area. The Malabon police are encouraging the public to coordinate with them to speed up the process of identifying the male victim.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues and intense emotional distress, these mental health crisis hotlines are available to provide immediate support:
NCMH Crisis Hotline:
- Dial 1553 or;
- 1800-1888-1553
For SMART/TNT subscribers:
- 0919-057-1553
For GLOBE/TM subscribers:
- 0917-899-8727
- 0917-899-USAP
This is a developing story.
