DepEd to work with police to probe death of 2 Taguig students

The Department of Education (DepEd) has committed to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the death of two high school students in Taguig City on Friday.

According to the Taguig local government, the victims were found lifeless inside their own school, Signal Village National High School on Friday night.

DepEd spokesperson Undersecretary Michael Poa said Saturday that the concerned Schools Division Office is already in coordination with the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) regarding the matter.

“The DepEd fully commits to cooperate with the PNP Taguig regarding this matter, and is committed towards the swift and expeditious conduct of the ongoing investigation,” the agency said.

DepEd also expressed sympathies to the bereaved families, and offered them assistance.

The Taguig City government likewise committed “full support” to the victims’ families, with Mayor Lani Cayetano also ordering an investigation.

“Mayor Lani Cayetano has instructed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation that would shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” the local government said in a statement.

The local government also encouraged students to participate in its program which aims to address anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and suicidal tendencies through monthly workshops and weekly group discussions with volunteers from faith-based organizations.

It also said those needing help may call the Taguig Mental Health Teleconsultation Hotline at 0929-521-8373 or contact the city's social workers at 0932-272-4888.

Free crisis hotlines are also available nationwide:

• National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-8727, (02) 7-989-8727
• Philippine Red Cross Hotline at 1158
• In-Touch Crisis Line at 8-893-7603, 0917-8001123 or 0922-8938944

—KG, GMA Integrated News