The Taguig City government said it was saddened to learn of the death of a high school student on March 9. 

“We express our profound sadness over the tragic passing of a high school student who recently died in an apparent suicide. We grieve with student’s family, friends, classmates, and the entire school community for the loss of our student,” the city government said in a statement. 

Taguig police reported that the male Grade 10 student, 16, was found dead at about 6:30 a.m. at the covered court of a public school in Barangay South Signal, Taguig.

The administration of Kapt. Jose Cardones Integrated School issued a statement, condoling with the family, classmates, and friends of the student. 

The victim, a resident of Barangay South Signal, was found by a student suspended from the roof of the covered court with a cord tied around his neck. 

The incident was reported to the Taguig Police Sub-station 6, which sent three police officers to the school. 

“The City Government will extend all necessary assistance and support to help them through this painful loss,” the city government said. 

It ordered authorities to conduct an investigation to know what happened. 

“We have also directed the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. While initial indications suggest that the harm was self-inflicted, we will await the official findings to ensure that all facts are properly determined,” it said. 

The city government called “on everybody to respect the privacy of the family, and refrain from making speculations that not only obscure the truth but aggravate the family’s pain.”

“This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the importance of caring for the mental and emotional well-being of our young people,” it said. 

“We call on the school administration, students, and parents to work closely with the local government and actively participate in our mental health awareness and support programs. Through collective effort, and open communication, we can help ensure that our schools remain safe and supportive spaces for every student,” the local government added.

The city government said the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Health Office’s Mental Health Unit, and the Taguig CARES Program under the Office of the Mayor are providing psychosocial support and grief processing to the school community.

“Should anyone need someone to talk to, call or message our 24/7 Mental Health support hotline 0929-5218373 6:00AM to 6:00PM and 0967-0393456 6:00PM to 6:00AM. ‎ Let us continue to look out for one another and strengthen our commitment to protecting the well-being of our youth. Our prayers remain with the bereaved family and the entire school community,” it said.