Baguio health office urges public to stop sharing distressing videos
BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office (CHSO) on Monday urged the public to stop sharing graphic videos of distressing incidents on social media, warning that such posts can harm public mental health and cause lasting trauma to victims' families.
The appeal follows the online circulation of a video showing a man falling from a hotel balcony along Session Road. The man later died from his injuries.
“We strongly urge the public to practice responsible and ethical use of social media. Sharing videos or images of distressing incidents does not help and may unintentionally cause harm to others,” city health officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said in a statement.
She said such content can trigger strong emotional responses and even copycat incidents among vulnerable individuals.
“It is disheartening that these videos have to be posted and even shared. We ask for everyone to be responsible because this can hurt and leave lifetime pains to the families of the person,” Brillantes told reporters.
Ricky Ducas, program manager of the CHSO mental health clinic, emphasized mental health is an illness that requires professional help.
The office provided hotline numbers for those in distress, including the Baguio City Command Center (911), the city mental health unit (09190696361), and the Baguio General Hospital crisis line (09569916841). (PNA)