TRIGGER WARNING: Mention of the word depression

The tragic news that a mother in Sta. Maria, Bulacan set her three young children on fire, and then herself, allegedly due to depression and marital problems, has continued to be talked about and opened various discussions related to mental health issues.

According to reports, the children were found burned inside their house in Barangay San Vicente. A neighbor said that the six-year-old son of the deceased suspect, who is the eldest, even told that their own mother poured gas on them.

The children were rushed to the hospital but the youngest died on the spot while the other two died, including the mother who was allegedly the arsonist. Based on initial investigation, the aforementioned mother set her children on fire, and then herself, using paint thinner.

Before the incident, the mother had filed a complaint with the barangay to complain about her husband and her allegedly meddling father-in-law, who were allegedly causing a fight between them. After filing the complaint, the mother then carried out the tragedy.

“According to the complaint, the father-in-law was causing a fight between them,” TV5’s Frontline Pilipinas interviewed Potenciano Lorenzo, captain of Barangay Vicente.

“He was probably angry with his father-in-law.”

Authorities recovered empty paint thinner and matches, all of which were used in the crime.

The children’s husband and father, who work in Batangas, declined to give a statement and requested privacy.

The incident became a topic of discussion on social media. Some said they wished the mother had not involved her children. Others said they should not judge the mother too quickly and that she might be going through something deep.

Here are some of the reactions and comments from netizens.

“The weight on my chest. I know how it feels to be in that situation, been there I’m just thankful to God we’ve made it through the worst and hardest part. I hope you’re still holding on for your kids. Can’t blame you tho. Fly high angels.. Mama must have chosen the easiest way for her.”

“People won’t really understand her—especially those who haven’t experienced her situation. I’m also a mom who suffers from mental health… Don’t be harsh to all the moms out there. Don’t be the reason that some children will lose their mother. To the husbands, don’t give your husbands a reason to give up on life. Please don’t misinterpret this post. I am not justifying the mother’s actions or excusing her for killing her children. My point is to explain a possible reason why she may have ended up doing it.”Mothers really need strong and solid support in this situation. I’m so sorry she didn’t get the support she needed. I wish I was the one she chatted with so I could at least send her a message (we don’t know each other but I think we live in the same brgy in Bulacan because the news said so) just in case she felt like someone understood.”

“To the mothers who are going through something, let’s not lose heart. Let’s always think of our children who rely on us and continue to trust in our Lord.”

“Three innocent angels were lost in this world—burned by their own mother, and then herself. A tragedy that is hard to fathom. But behind all this, there is a very serious illness: depression… Depression is real. It should not be ignored. And sometimes, deception, neglect, and lack of love push a person to give up. If you know someone who is going through something, say hello. Maybe a simple ‘how are you?’ can save lives. Meanwhile, mental health advocates have advised that if someone is going through something, they should not be shy about contacting specialists, authorities, or even close people to avoid taking steps and actions that they will later regret.

As of this writing, the husband and father of the victims, as well as the alleged mother-in-law, have not yet spoken or issued a statement. News is open on their side.