Pangasinan tragedy: Mental health crisis leads to double fatality in Malasiqui

• An 80-year-old mother was found dead from stab wounds in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, allegedly at the hands of her 39-year-old son, who subsequently took his own life with the same weapon

• The son reportedly exhibited signs of deteriorating mental health, prompting his elderly mother to move into his home for care and companionship weeks before the incident

• The murder was uncovered when a concerned sibling, initially denied entry, returned with other family members to find the mother deceased and the son later found lifeless nearby

• The incident starkly illustrates the severe challenges faced by families dealing with untreated mental health crises, particularly in areas with limited access to specialized care and support systems

An 80-year-old woman was found dead in her son's home in Barangay Gomez, Malasiqui, Pangasinan, after allegedly being stabbed by her 39-year-old son, who subsequently took his own life.

The harrowing incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 9, has sent shockwaves through the community and underscored the devastating impact of untreated mental health issues on families.

According to initial investigations by the Malasiqui Police Station, the elderly mother, a resident of Barangay Alacan, had been staying with her son for approximately two weeks at his residence in Barangay Gomez.

She had reportedly moved in to provide care and companionship, having noticed her son exhibiting signs of a deteriorating mental state.

Police Captain Jeremias Ramos Jr., the Intel and Investigation Officer of the Malasiqui Police Station, confirmed the observations regarding the son's mental well-being.

"Few weeks ago, napapansin na po ‘yung suspek na nasisiraan na ng bait. Actually, mag-isa lang po niya sa bahay (suspek) pero sinasamahan na siya ng kaniyang nanay," Captain Ramos stated, emphasizing the mother's dedicated efforts to support her son during a challenging period.

The grim discovery was made after a sibling of the 39-year-old son attempted to visit the residence earlier in the day but was denied entry.

Growing concerned, the sibling returned later with other relatives. Upon forcing their way into the house, they found the lifeless body of the 80-year-old mother.

Authorities reported that the son had fled the immediate scene after the alleged attack. However, he was later found deceased with a fatal stab wound to his neck, still clutching the knife believed to have been used in both the alleged parricide and his subsequent self-inflicted harm that led to his death.

This tragic event highlights the severe challenges faced by families grappling with loved ones experiencing acute mental health crises, particularly in areas where access to specialized care and robust support systems may be limited.

Across the Philippines, many families bear the primary responsibility of caring for individuals with mental health conditions, often without adequate resources, professional guidance, or financial assistance.

The stigma sometimes associated with mental illness can further deter families from seeking timely help, potentially leading to dire consequences.

Law enforcement agencies like the PNP are often the first responders to domestic incidents involving individuals with suspected mental health issues.

While efforts are continually made to train officers in de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention, the sheer volume and complexity of such cases, coupled with gaps in the mental healthcare infrastructure, pose significant challenges.

The Malasiqui community is reeling from the double tragedy, a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and resources at the local level.

The police investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing, aiming to piece together the events that led to such a devastating outcome for the family.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable. In some cases, crime stories also become viral due to their gravity. There are also cases that would often gain national attention.

In other news, Joshua Mondejar, 22, was rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on July 8 while trying to swim the Iloilo Strait to Guimaras, marking his second dangerous attempt in just over two months. Mondejar's motivation for the hazardous swim was his strong desire to return to his family in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, despite residing in Iloilo City. The PCG emphasized the extreme risks of swimming the Iloilo Strait, citing its heavy maritime traffic, strong currents, and the significant distance, all of which make such attempts highly dangerous. The rescue operation was launched swiftly after a report that Mondejar was clinging to wood while attempting the crossing, highlighting the Coast Guard's crucial role in ensuring maritime safety.

Still in other news, garbage truck driver Cholan Binala, 43, died on the spot after crashing into a house and store in Binangonan, Rizal on July 8, 2025. Initial police investigation suggests possible brake failure as the cause of the accident. No additional injuries were reported, though parts of the property were severely damaged. The incident adds to a string of recent brake-related truck accidents across the country.

Source: KAMI.com.gh