May 15, 2025—a date that the whole family, especially the mother and her children, will never forget. It was the day a mother set her three children on fire. But before this tragic incident happened, what was the true condition of the mother while they were still alive?

The mother’s name was Joyce, a hardworking and responsible mother to her children. Joyce was also a vlogger and social media influencer. According to the information we’ve gathered, Joyce used to document and post every journey of her children on social media. She was focused on her family and diligent with housework. She was also a loving wife to her husband, a policeman. Proof of this love could be seen in her social media posts during special occasions like Father’s Day. In one post she wrote:

“To the hardworking and responsible pillar of our home, thank you for your sacrifices and your love for us, Daddy. We love you so much.”

This message is proof of how loving Joyce was to her husband and how devoted she was to her children.

At first, they had only one child, then two, and eventually three. It was likely after the birth of their third child that Joyce began experiencing depression. Although she still posted on social media, who could have known what she was truly feeling inside? Who would have thought she was suffering in silence with no one to understand her?

Due to this depression—what seemed to be postpartum depression—Joyce eventually lost her grasp on reality. Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that many don’t fully understand, especially men. It’s a form of depression that can deeply affect a mother after giving birth.

Joyce likely felt she was doing everything alone to care for her three children. This burden led her to think negative thoughts—thoughts that she alone knew. She may have believed that her problems had no solution. Her husband, being a police officer, was often stationed in distant areas and could not be present to provide emotional or mental support.

Adding to her mental anguish was conflict within the family, likely involving her in-laws. She felt completely alone, misunderstood, and overwhelmed. That’s how depression attacks. From the outside, it’s hard to understand, but for someone like Joyce—struggling in isolation while caring for three small children—it was devastating.

On top of that, her husband only gave her a small monthly allowance of PHP 2,500. How could that possibly be enough for her and their three children? Milk alone for the youngest child would deplete that amount instantly. People might ask why Joyce didn’t get a job. But those asking probably never considered that her children were too young to be left alone, and she had no one she could trust to watch them.

Her husband, a police corporal, likely earned a decent salary. If he had truly wanted to provide proper financial support, Joyce wouldn’t have had to carry the full burden. If he had, perhaps Joyce wouldn’t have reached such a desperate point.

Let this be a reminder to all fathers: Be responsible not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as well. A family doesn’t just need money. They need love, presence, and understanding.

This is what Joyce’s husband failed to give. He had a beautiful wife and adorable children, all gone in an instant. It’s difficult to understand what Joyce did, but for those who have experienced depression, her pain might be more relatable. Still, this tragedy should serve as a lesson: never act on dark thoughts. Turn to God instead—cry out your problems to Him.

We must pray that God listens to our cries and becomes our refuge. Depression is not a joke. It’s not easy to carry, especially for a mother. So, to all parents—especially fathers—be responsible. Be there for your wives, listen to their struggles, support them in all ways—physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially.

And most importantly, nurture your spiritual faith, because that is what strengthens a marriage and keeps a family together.

The lesson from this story is clear: Be a responsible parent. Be a responsible father. Don’t prioritize other people or things over your own family. Prioritize those who are with you in life—your family, the ones you can run to, the ones who will always be there.

Let us remember that whenever we face trials and hardships, only God is our true refuge. Cry out to Him. Ask for His guidance. May He forgive all our sins, and may all praise and thanksgiving be given to Him alone—in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.