Despair drives young mother to kill self, son

Despair over grinding poverty drove a young mother to kill herself, including her six-month-old baby, inside their shanty last Monday night in Malabon City.

Declared dead on arrival at the Pagamutan Bayan ng Malabon were Christina Ona, 21, and her son John Klyde both of C. Reyes street, Barangay Tonsuya, Malabon City.

Police said mother and son were rushed by relatives to the hospital at about 11:35 p.m. after gathering that Ona had taken an overdose of unidentified pills.

Prior to the incident, the victim was overheard on various occasions complaining about being poor and often saying within earshot of relatives and friends that she wanted to end her life because she could not take it anymore.

Sources also said the agony of the mother was further heightened by quarrels with her husband sparked by his inability to provide adequately for their subsistence.

It was not clear of what cause the son died. Police said they are conducting further investigation on the incident.