NCMH reports spike in suicide-related calls amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The government earlier urged spiritual leaders to help address a rising number of suicide cases due to retrenchment and job loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing pandemic has forced the government to implement one of the world’s longest lockdowns which started in mid-March particularly in Metro Manila, the country’s economic center, and its nearby provinces— causing businesses to either layoff workers or declare closure.