CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A heartbreaking incident has shaken the Liceo de Cagayan University community after a second-year nursing student, identified as Jerimae Edma Abellana, reportedly attempted to take her own life on the morning of November 4 following alleged bullying and public humiliation from her peers.
According to the student’s family, Jerimae had long been struggling with depression, but the recent ridicule and mockery she experienced online pushed her to a breaking point. The bullying allegedly stemmed from a simple TikTok video she posted, showing herself wearing her nursing cap — something she did not realize would become controversial.
On November 3, even as classes were suspended due to a typhoon, an instructor reportedly called for an “emergency and serious meeting” at 8 a.m. to discuss the issue about the nursing cap. While there is no clear rule prohibiting students from wearing the cap outside hospital premises, Jerimae was allegedly singled out, shamed, and mocked in online group chats by her classmates.
The humiliation and harsh treatment deeply affected the young student, leading her to attempt suicide by ingesting around 20 paracetamol tablets. She was rushed to the emergency room and is now recovering, but her family said the emotional trauma has left her unwilling to return to school.
“She doesn’t want to go back to school anymore,” a relative said, appealing to the university to take firm action against all forms of public humiliation and cyberbullying within the campus.
A cousin of Jerimae also posted an emotional message on social media, condemning those who bullied her: “Bantay lang mo, mga nag-bully sa akong ig-agaw. Libre ra baya ang pagka-buotan. Dili kinahanglan magpaka-gahi aron makabati mo nga taas mo.”
In response to growing public outrage, the Liceo de Cagayan University administration issued an official statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on bullying.
“We are aware of the recent alleged online bullying incident involving our students. Bullying, in all its forms, is unacceptable and contrary to the Liceo community’s values and principles. It is not, and will not be tolerated,” the statement said.
The university assured a swift and thorough investigation and pledged to impose proper disciplinary measures once findings are finalized. It also urged students and faculty to promote a culture of empathy, respect, and accountability.
As the investigation continues, Jerimae’s case stands as a painful reminder of how cruel words and actions can deeply harm those already battling personal struggles. Advocates and netizens are calling for stricter enforcement of anti-bullying policies in educational institutions, emphasizing that compassion should always come first — especially in professions like nursing that are built on care and understanding.
🕊️ Kindness is free. Empathy saves lives.