HERMOSA Municipal Police Station in Bataan reported a suicide committed by a 29-year-old member of the LGBTQ community, a resident of Sitio Pinagpala, Barangay Balsik, Hermosa, Bataan.
According to the report from Hermosa Police chief, Major Ernesto Esguerra, the incident was discovered at around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, beside the creek along the Olongapo-Gapan Highway in Barangay Balsik.
The victim was found hanging using a plastic straw rope tied at a tubular bar and looped around her neck.
According to the report, Jimmy Asuncion, a farmer and resident of Purok 3 of said barangay, saw the victim, Mary Jane Duque, hanging beside the creek and immediately informed his brother, Barangay Captain Jerry Asuncion.
According to the barangay captain, there was a hearing on August 25, 2023 regarding a complaint of physical injuries against Duque filed by her live-in partner Princes Angeles.
During the hearing, Duque remarked that if her live-in partner left her, she would commit suicide. In addition, based on text messages recovered from Duque’s phone, they had a misunderstanding that led to her suicide.
The body of the victim remains at MJR Funeral in Barangay Mambog, Hermosa, Bataan. The family members of Duque have decided for non-autopsy examination.
This incident, according to Major Esguerra, highlights the importance of mental health awareness and support for those who may be struggling with depression or other mental health issues.