By Jennifer P. Rendon
TRIGGER WARNING: MENTION OF SELF HARM
A distraught woman was rescued after attempting to jump off a pedestrian overpass in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao in Iloilo City on the evening of January 11.
Passersby noticed the woman sitting precariously on the edge of the overpass and immediately reported the incident.
Captain Val Cambel, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 10, said the report was received around 9:50 p.m. Saturday.
“Since we lacked the capability to conduct a rescue operation, we sought assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Iloilo City Emergency Responders,” Cambel said.
While responders negotiated with the woman, BFP personnel set up an inflatable rescue cushion below the overpass in case she jumped.
The woman became distracted during negotiations, allowing BFP personnel to grab her and pull her to safety.
She resisted and attempted to break free but was overpowered by rescuers.
The woman was later brought to the Western Visayas Medical Center for psychiatric treatment.
Cambel revealed that the woman appeared to be speaking incoherently.
According to her friend, she became depressed after her boyfriend left her.
The woman, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has reportedly made several previous suicide attempts.
Cambel added that she lives alone in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, as her parents are based in the United States.
Authorities emphasized the importance of mental health support and urged the public to report similar cases to prevent tragedies.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, seek help by contacting crisis hotlines or your nearest healthcare facility.
Those in need of mental health services may call the following:
DOH WV CHD Mental Health Program
Smart: 0998 532 4047
Facebook Page: MH Connect/Facebook
Iloilo Provincial Health and Social Welfare and Development Offices (PRIME)
Smart: 0998 539 6704/ 0946 539 7929
Globe: 0915 542 6885/ 0977 122 0327
Aklan Provincial Health Office
Smart: 0970 599 9734
Antique Provincial Health Office
Smart: 0928 341 8475
Globe: 0966 166 5255
Capiz Provincial Health Office
Smart: 0921 991 2064
Globe: 0916 241 1596
lloilo City Health Office
Landline: (033) 315-3012
Facebook Page: lloilomhpss
Negros Occidental Health Office
Globe: 0965 982 1851
Smart: 0961 572 9197
