PH Coast Guard: Suicide cases rising among ship passengers

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday, October 30, said the number of people committing suicide by jumping off a ship has increased.

“There is a growing number of cases. Those mostly involved were depressed and have mental problems,” said PCG Spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo.

PCG figures showed that from June to October 2014, there have been 12 cases of suicide, higher than the 10 cases recorded in 2013.

PCG is concerned about the rise in suicide cases. (READ: WHO: Countries must plan for ‘common’ mental disorders)

“The relatives should coordinate with the shipping lines to ensure their loved ones who are depressed and has mental problems would not jump off the ship and the PCG would monitor them ahead of time,” Balilo noted.

PCG said the latest suicide incident was on a ship bound for Iligan.

Daniel Pame, 34, jumped off the ship 5 nautical miles southeast of Siquijor’s Manalulan Light House. He almost hit the ship’s propeller.

After he was rescued by sea marshals, Pame attempted to jump again.

Suicide, an avoidable mental health concern, is a phenomenon affecting thousands of people worldwide. (READ: How to spot suicidal tendencies in your loved ones)

Although the Philippines had a low incidence of suicide in 2012 – 2.7 per 100,000 people – it was then the second leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. – with a report from Jee Y. Geronimo/Rappler.com

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