DepEd: Stop linking suicide to distance learning

The Department of Education (DepEd) has appealed to the public to stop linking suicide cases of teachers and students to the shift to distance learning.

The DepEd on Tuesday said it has received initial investigation results, and information from officials, and family members that none of the reported suicide incidents are related to the shift to distance learning.

“Nais naming ipanawagan na itigil ang pagkonekta nito [suicide cases] sa mga modyul o sa distance learning,” the DepEd said in a statement.

(We would like to call on the public to stop linking suicide cases to modules or distance learning.)

“Nakatanggap na kami ng mga ulat mula sa kinauukulan, maging mga pahayag ng mga pamilya, at mga inisyal na imbestigasyon ng mga kaso at wala sa alinmang insidente ang tumutukoy sa distance learning bilang pangunahing sanhi ng mga ito,” DepEd added.

(We have received reports from authorities, even tatements of families and initial investigation results and none of the incidents are linked to distance learning.)

The DepEd meanwhile condoled with families of concerned students and teachers, noting that  its field offices are already coordinating with their families to provide assistance.

“Hinihiling namin sa publiko na igalang ang pribadong buhay ng pamilyang naiwan at gayundin ang pag-iwas sa mga kuro-kuro ukol sa sanhi ng pagkamatay ng kanilang kaanak,” DepEd said.

(We ask the public to respect the private lives of the victims and avoid rumors about the cause of suicide.)