Baguio records 15 suicides

BAGUIO CITY — "Mental health is just as important as physical health. Please seek professional help if needed. Choose life."

Thus said Dr. Ricky Ducas, Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Unit coordinator of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) under Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, in a media forum on May 21 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in line with Mental Health Awareness Month.

He reminded the public to give equal attention to mental health as we do physical health, as mental well-being is a crucial part of overall health and should not be neglected.

Ducas disclosed that in 2024, there were 35 "death by suicide" cases in the Summer Capital, with 30 being male and five female.

As to age group, most of the victims belong to the 15 to 19 age range, followed by those ages 25 to 29 and then the older range groups.

He clarified, though, that the majority of the 35 cases are not from Baguio but were here for work, study or business purposes.

As of the first quarter of this year, Ducas said 15 deaths by suicide have already been reported, where 14 of the victims are males, and one is female.

Ducas is urging individuals who may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress to immediately reach out and seek support from mental health professionals, stressing the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive mental health care.

He also advised calling the Baguio Smart City Hotline 911 for assistance if facing a medical emergency, whether physical or mental.

"Suicide is a sickness that should be taken very seriously and is preventable," Ducas said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Magalong recently convened heads of city government offices, barangay, universities and establishments to tackle the increasing number of suicide cases in the city.

Among the agreements was the conduct of a workshop to draw up strategies and interventions that can help prevent more cases.