Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a young soul in the City of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte — a minor found lifeless after taking his own life. No words are enough to describe the pain of losing a child, especially in such a tragic and heartbreaking way. To the bereaved family, we extend our deepest condolences. No parent should ever have to bury a child. No family should ever have to read a goodbye written in pain.
The suicide note left behind is not just a farewell — it is a cry. A cry of hurt. A cry of longing. A cry of a child who wanted to be seen, heard, and loved. It speaks of feeling neglected, unheard, and unimportant. Whether intentional or not, the child felt invisible. And that, perhaps, is the most painful part of all.
This tragedy reminds us of a hard truth: children may not always say their pain out loud, but they feel it deeply. A simple “kumusta ka?” A small hug. A few minutes of listening. These could mean the world to a child who is silently struggling.
To the family:
We grieve with you. We cry with you. We pray for you. May you find comfort in knowing that many hearts are with you in this unimaginable loss. May God wrap you in His peace during this darkest hour. No words can erase your pain, but may love from the community help you carry it.
To all parents, guardians, and families:
Let this be a wake-up call. Love should not be assumed — it must be shown. Affection should not be delayed — it must be given now. Children should never feel like a burden. They should never feel less important. Every child deserves to feel valued, heard, and cherished.
Talk to your children. Listen to them. Ask about their day. Ask about their dreams. Ask about their worries. And when they speak, listen — not to respond, but to understand.
Let us build homes where children feel safe to cry, safe to complain, safe to be honest. Let us create families where love is not measured by money, gifts, or comparisons, but by presence, patience, and genuine care.
Mental health is real. Depression is real. Emotional pain is real — even in children. And ignoring it can cost a life.
To the child who left too soon:
You were seen. You were heard. You mattered. Your life had value. Your pain was real. And your story will not be forgotten.
May your soul rest in peace.
May your story open hearts.
May your loss save others.
⚠️ Content Warning: The following is the suicide note left by the minor. It is shared to raise awareness of the depth of pain some children carry in silence.
Original Suicide Note (as written):
Babye, Sakit na kaayo. Sorry kung nabuhat nako ni kay dili ko gusto makahatag sa akong ginikanan diin naa sab silay pinalabi na anak, ako man unta ang kamanghurang anak apan dili makahatag, mas palangga pa nila ang ilang mga apo. og gali unsa akong gusto dili nila mahatag pero si “Sensen” hatagan nila og cellphone pila palang ang edad ato, samtang ako bisan mangayo ra og balon ingnon nga “wala pa koy kwarta” utro pud ni si kuya ug ate inday pinalabi nga igsoon. mao a to bye!
Dayon ingon pa si Papa nga dili ko kaabot og High School magminyo na daw, ayaw kabalaka Pa mamatay nako kay mas pinalangga pa nimo ang imong mga apo or anak kontra namo ni ate, mao na akong pangako Pa nga walay makabalo sa akong problema kung dili ako ra, kabalo mo pinatago ni akong paghilak, hilak nga hilak ko nga ginabuhat ni.
Og agi sab diay ni Mark kay basta oi.
Nagpakamatay ko agi sa akong mga problema gasulat ko ani gatulo akong luha, di ko gusto nga muingon mo nako nga love nako tong bataa di ko gusto maka dungog ana, Mangayo ko sa akong gusto dili ninyo ihatag.
Magpakamatay ko agi ninyo kabalo mo sige nakog hilak og mao rato, kung mabasa gani ninyo palihug chat si shiela mae Compay nga Babye! Sa una ra ni akong problema
Bye Mama, Papa, Ate, Sensen, Kuya
Sorry sa mga sala nako ninyo, Gusto nasab ko muapas sa akong ig-agaw nga pinaka the best. Basta ang ako lang ayaw ko ninyo padungga nga LOVE pako ninyo kay karon pa mo muingon nga love ko ninyo kay namatay nako, No way! Kung patay nako kay Ate na tanan gamit nako, sinina, shorts, naa na kay Ate kung tagaan niya si Sensen. Soba Kasakit, Happy kaayo ko sa laing tawo pero pag-abot sa Balay mo hilak a diay, ayaw namo kabalaka wala nako, wala nay tig-angayo ninyo og kwarta or unsa ba, mao a gyud ni masulti nako ninyo, basta mangayo ko unya dili mahatagan mao na ang problemahan nako, maayo ra mo sa inyong mga igsoon ayaw namo dugang nako nga mangandoy mamatay, kung wala man galing moy kwarta para sa lungon eh di ayaw rako ilubong, ayaw na og hilak oi, mao ra to bye! Sakit man huna-hunaon pero okay ra oi! Bye!
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, loneliness, or thoughts of self-harm, please seek help immediately.
In the Philippines, you may contact:
NCMH Crisis Hotline: 1553 | 0966-351-4518 | 0908-639-2672
You are not alone. Your life is precious.