A distraught 16-year-old Grade 11 student in the town of Tupi, South Cotabato has committed suicide due to alleged pressure and difficulty of learning school modules.
The learning modules are being given by the Department of Education (DepEd) to allow students to study at home while the coronavirus pandemic that still affects most parts of the Philippines.
According to a report of local radio station 95.7 Brigada FM, the student told his mother that he was having a difficulty studying the learning materials. He also wanted to just return the learning materials to his teacher.
RELATED NEWS: Teenager commits suicide after failing college entrance exam
The report quoted Tupi police chief Major Berlin Pampolina that the unnamed teenager was later found hanging in their house and used a plastic twine to end his life.
He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a statement released on Oct. 7, the Schools Division of South Cotabato said they were shocked and saddened upon hearing the tragic death of one of their students. They vowed a speedy and impartial investigation on the case.
“In this time of bereavement, the DepEd family extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of (name withheld). The division and school officials are currently coordinating with law enforcement and the student’s family members for a speedy and impartial investigation on the matter.”
His death lays bare the dilemma facing students due to the distance learning system rolled out by the DepEd, as depression among learners is feared likely to occur, especially for those who belong to low-income families.
FACT CHECK: The Filipino Times found that this case was different from another possible student suicide incident circulating online. Various social media sites use the photo of a certain “Makoy” to refer to this case of 16-year-old student.
However, the death of Makoy, a 21-year-old third year college student, is another possible suicide case that happened in Brgy. San Isidro, Sagbayan, Bohol on Tuesday, October 6.
READ THE FULL STORY: Police report reveals motive for suicide of 3rd year Pinoy college student
