Arakan, Cotabato – A quick-thinking volunteer responder saved the life of an 18-year-old boy who attempted suicide in Barangay Makalangot on September 26, 2025, highlighting both the importance of community readiness and the urgent call for stronger mental health support.
The teenager was found unconscious when Ruel L. Dubrea, a trained volunteer responder, immediately offered his services without hesitation. As neighbors helped rush the victim to the nearest hospital, Dubrea performed an exhausting 240 cycles of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), refusing to give up despite the teen being unresponsive for over an hour and already showing signs of cyanosis.
Drawing from the skills he gained during the 15-Day Capacity Development for Volunteer Responders organized by the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Dubrea applied his training in Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support, demonstrating how preparedness can mean the difference between life and death. The initiative, backed by Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza, seeks to empower local volunteers in disaster and emergency response.
Authorities praised Dubrea’s dedication, but the case also raises an urgent warning: mental health struggles, particularly among the youth, remain a silent crisis. Suicide is a preventable tragedy, yet it continues to claim lives when help is not accessible in time.
Experts stress that while medical interventions can save lives in emergencies, the community must also address the deeper issue of mental health stigma, lack of accessible counseling, and the need for safe spaces for young people battling depression and hopelessness.
The provincial government has urged families, schools, and communities to strengthen mental health awareness and watch out for warning signs among loved ones. They also reminded the public that seeking help is never a weakness and can prevent irreversible loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out immediately to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. In the Philippines, you may call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553, or contact the DOH Helplines 0917-899-8727 (USAP) and (02) 7989-8727.
Dubrea’s heroism saved one life that day, but the community is reminded that mental health is everyone’s responsibility—and silence can cost lives.