EDITOR’S NOTE: This article mentions self-harm. 

MANILA — The Bureau of Fire Protection has launched a mental health hotline, the agency’s spokesperson said on Monday.

The “Kalingang Bumbero” was launched after data showed that suicide incidents in the Philippines increased by 15 percent in 2023, said F/Ssupt. Annalee Atienzas, spokesperson of the BFP.

“Nationwide may bilang tayo na 3,529 na nasabi nating suicide incidents,” she told state television PTV.

(The number of suicide incidents nationwide is at 3,529.)

Of this number, 31 victims were rescued, she said.

“Mayroon po tayong 114 na BFP personnel that are mental health professionals na nag-undergo ng training dito sa ating National Center for Mental Health,” Atienza said.

The BFP’s Kalingang Bumbero hotline may be reached through 09624584237.

Other groups in the Philippines are dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies. These are their hotline numbers:

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