The bereaved family of former child actor JM Canlas recently announced his passing.
Jerom Canlas, older brother of JM and actor Elijah Canlas, made public about it via his social media account on Aug. 3, posting, "It is with the heaviest heart and deep sorrow that our family announces the death of our bunso, Jamile Matthew Madiclum Canlas, earlier this morning. He was 17."
He would go on to describe his brother as a "talented actor, athlete, musician, singer, debater, and gamer."
JM has appeared in several films including the 2017 independent film "Kiko Boksingero" and the 2020 web series "Unconditional," among others.
"He was always a proud Filipino with a bias and compassion for the poor and oppressed. But most of all, JM will forever be remembered as an incredible young man, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, and friend," he said.
The wake will begin today, Aug. 4, 8 pm at the St. Peter Chapel in Quezon Avenue.
Jerom hopes their family and friends will "celebrate" JM's "short but wonderful life, as he would want us to."
In the latter part of his post, Jerom shared that JM struggled with mental health issues.
He then advised those going through the same, "If you are experiencing current distress and are in need of URGENT ATTENTION, please proceed to the emergency room of the hospital nearest you."
Later, Jerom changed his profile picture with old photos of him and JM together.
He wrote as caption: "Walang hanggang paalam at patawad. Mahal na mahal ka ni kuya. Mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal!!!!"
In another post, Jerom encouraged family and friends to share their memories of JM.
"Comment a story, photo, song, poem, or anything you want with/for JM. Let’s celebrate his life. Our family, who is going through unimaginable pain right now, will truly appreciate it," he said.