DOH – Ilocos Regional Health Program Coordinator for Mental Health Erwin M. Baclig, Jr. discusses the importance of proper and ethical reporting of suicide cases to change public misconceptions and correct myths which can encourage vulnerable people or those who are at risk to seek professional help immediately during the “orientation on Responsible and Ethical Reporting of Suicide Cases held in NAguilian, La Union from October 2-4, 2024.
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region provided an orientation workshop for information officers, health promotion officers, media practitioners, and content creators on the ethical and responsible reporting of suicide cases to the public during a 3-day learning activity held in Naguilian, La Union on October 2-4, 2024.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that reporting a suicide case is a delicate issue. We need to carefully report it to people to avoid ‘copycat’ cases and causing further harm to family members and the public.
“As media practitioners, you need to provide reliable information when reporting suicide and suicide prevention; ascertain the facts of the incident; avoid describing the details of suicide; be cautious when interviewing the family members and include helplines for mental health and support services in their news report. It is better to consult mental health professionals before an interview and before reporting the suicide case,” she stated.
According to the Health Emergency Alert Reporting System’s suicide statistics for 2023, there were a total of 73 recorded cases in the region. The province with the most cases is Ilocos Sur with 30 followed by La Union with 24, Ilocos Norte – 11, and Pangasinan with 8.
The guidance on the proper and responsible reporting of suicide cases is based on the DOH Administrative Order 2022-0004, or the Guidelines for Ethical and Responsible Reporting and Portrayal of Suicide in Media, Audiovisual, and Films which seeks to reduce the incidence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts by ensuring “responsible and ethical reporting and proper handling of suicide cases.
Regional Health Program Coordinator for Mental Health Erwin M. Baclig, Jr., who led the orientation workshop said that accuracy and sensitivity in reporting a suicide case is a must. “Ibigay lang natin ang essential facts ng suicide case, avoid being judgmental or do not use insensitive language like “suicide” or “nagpakamatay” in headlines at huwag ding gawing sensationalize ang reporting.
He also advised against front-page placement in newspapers or main segments during in prime-time broadcasts.
“When reporting a suicide case exclude the details on the method and location of the incident, interview bereaved families cautiously and with compassion, and avoid sharing personal and sensitive information such as names, graphic images, and suspected suicide notes, especially when the case is a minor and ensure that your reports comply with the Data Privacy Act privacy.
A total of 40 media practitioners participated in the activity.
The orientation on the ethical and responsible reporting of suicide cases is in line with the celebration of Mental Health Month which is celebrated yearly during October.
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