PAGADIAN CITY — A 32-year-old construction worker was found dead early Monday morning in Barangay Buenavista, Pagadian City, in what authorities believe to be a case of suicide, marking another tragic reminder of the growing mental health crisis.
The victim was identified as Jetro Lusay Gumiton, a resident of Purok Kawayan, Barangay Buenavista. According to the Pagadian City Police Station, they received a report shortly after 7:00 a.m. on December 15, 2025. Responding officers and rescue personnel discovered that the victim had already died, with initial findings indicating that the incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m.
Police investigations revealed that Gumiton had reportedly been experiencing depression and had previously attempted to take his own life. On the night prior to the incident, he was said to have consumed alcohol and visited a sibling in Barangay Sto. Niño, where he reportedly expressed distress following a disagreement with a relative. His sibling advised him to rest and discuss the matter the following day due to his intoxicated state.
Gumiton later returned home, and his body was discovered the next morning by his live-in partner. Personnel from the Pagadian City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PCDRRMO) assessed the scene and found no indication of foul play.
Meanwhile, authorities also confirmed another suicide incident in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, involving a father of a family who reportedly shot himself. Details of the case are still being verified by local police, but the incident further underscores the alarming frequency of such tragedies in the region.
Officials urge the public to treat these incidents not merely as police matters but as urgent calls to address mental health concerns. Mental health is a serious issue, and individuals experiencing emotional distress, depression, or feelings of hopelessness are strongly encouraged to seek help.
Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to trusted family members, friends, community leaders, or mental health professionals. In the Philippines, support services and hotlines are available to provide assistance, counseling, and immediate help. No one has to face their struggles alone.