MANILA, Philippines — A female cruise ship worker awaiting repatriation to the Philippines died in an apparent suicide amid the coronavirus pandemic, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr said on Thursday.
“It is my sad duty to report that a 28-year old female mariner committed suicide in her cabin in the ship where she’s had to stay because repatriation flights back to the Philippines have been suspended again,” Locsin wrote on Twitter.
“I know our quarantine facilities are jam-packed; just don’t know why,” he added.
It is my sad duty to report that a 28-year old female mariner committed suicide in her cabin in the ship where she's had to stay because repatriation flights back to the Philippines have been suspended again. I know our quarantine facilities are jam-packed; just don't know why.
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) June 11, 2020
Various international reports stated that the cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, is currently anchored off Barbados.
The foreign affairs chief said this was the second suicide incident reported among overseas Filipinos amid the coronavirus pandemic.
RIP. Ms. Mariah Jocson took her life onboard Harmony of the Seas where crew detained awaiting PH repeatedly rescinded repatriation. Second suicide. We are tartly reminded that Filipino resilience is no excuse to stretch them to breaking point. Di sila goma; tao sila.
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) June 11, 2020
“We are tartly reminded that Filipino resilience is no excuse to stretch them to breaking point. Di sila goma; tao sila,” he said in another tweet.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to provide further information on the incident.
Persons feeling they need assistance may call Hopeline hotlines 804-HOPE (4673); 0917-558-HOPE (4673); or 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers).
For counseling, overseas Filipino workers may also reach the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) through Hotline 1348, with referral systems to the following mental wellness helplines:
Ugat Foundation – 0283700239/ FB: contactUGATsandaline
HOPELINE Philippines – 09188734673/ 09175584673
National Center for Mental Health – 09178998727/ 029898727
Philippine Red Cross – Hotline 1158
Konsulta MD – 79880 (Globe TM)/ 0277988000 (non-Globe/TM)
Bofill Psychological Services – 09238447755/ FB: BPS Psychological Services