JM Canlas, actor and brother of Elijah and Jerom Canlas, dies at 17

JM Canlas, film and voice actor, and the younger brother of actor Elijah Canlas, died on Thursday morning at 17 years old.

His death was confirmed by his eldest brother and actor Jerom through a Facebook post.

“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 [on Thursday]. He was 17,” Jerom said.

“Jm, as he was known to many, was a talented actor, athlete, musician, singer, debater, and gamer," he added. "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."

The wake for family and friends will be held on August 4, Friday at 8 p.m., until August 6, Sunday at the St. Peter Chapel Quezon Avenue, Room 116.

Jerom said, “Let us celebrate his short but wonderful life, as he would want us to.”

The cause of death was not named. However, Jerom said, “In his adolescence, JM struggled with his mental health. If you are experiencing current distress and are in need of URGENT ATTENTION, please proceed to the emergency room of the hospital nearest you.”

He also shared links for counseling services as well as hotline numbers for mental health. These include: DOH-NCMH Hotline: 0917-899-8727 or 02-7989-8727; Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Hopeline: 0917-558-4673, 0918-873-4673 and 02-8804-4673; and In Touch Crisis Line: 0917-800-1123, 0922-893-8944 and 02-8893-7603.

JM is best known for appearing in the top films “Kiko Boksingero” and “ANi.” He was also a voice actor and was part of the Tagalog dub of “Stranger Things.” —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News