Teen hangs self after girlfriend’s suicide

MANILA, Philippines - A 16-year-old boy, believed to have been broken-hearted over the suicide of his girlfriend, ended up taking his life as well in their house in Novaliches, Quezon City Sunday.

The body of Jefferson Taparan was found hanging in his room by his sister, who had come home from work at around 6 p.m. The boy was eventually declared dead at the hospital at past midnight yesterday.

Case investigator Police Officer 2 Anthony Tejerero said the boy, a fourth year high school student, used a blanket and looped it around his neck.

The other end of the blanket was tied to a wooden ceiling beam.

Tejerero noted that a week ago, the boy’s 15-year-old girlfriend who lived in the same neighborhood in Barangay Sauyo reportedly also committed suicide.

He said it was unclear what the couple’s relationship status had been. He said the girl’s family did not have the suicide investigated by the police.

Tejerero said the death of his girlfriend apparently broke the boy’s heart.

He said that before the suicide, the boy sent a text message to his sister Jharyn that said: “Patawarin nyo ako sa gagawin ko, mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat, alagaan mo si Mama at si Papa (Please forgive me for what I am about to do. I love you all. Take care of Mama and Papa).”