Mother who burned her 3 children to death has problems with husband, ‘disgusting’ mother-in-law?
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 did the same to herself, allegedly due to depression and marital problems, continues to be talked about and has opened various discussions related to mental health issues.
According to reports, the children were found dead 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 the police 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 is said to have committed the arson.
68-year-old senior citizen of Lapu-Lapu City survived; still, have ₱20k left!
According to initial investigations, the mother in question set her children on fire, and then did the same to herself, using paint thinner.
Before the incident, the mother had filed a complaint with the barangay to complain about her husband and allegedly meddling mother-in-law, who were allegedly causing her and her husband to fight. After filing the complaint, the mother then committed the tragedy.
“According to the blotter, the mother-in-law was fighting them,” TV5’s Frontline Pilipinas interviewed Potenciano Lorenzo, captain of Barangay Vicente.
“Supposedly, he is angry with his mother-in-law.”
Authorities recovered empty paint thinner bottles 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 hurt her children. Others said that the mother should not be so quick to judge and that she might be going through something deep.
Here are some of the reactions and comments from netizens.
“Ang bigat sa dibdib. 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. Sana ate kumapit ka pa din para sa mga anak mo. 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 been through 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 wives out there, 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 when things like this happen. 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’re neighbors in the same brgy in Bulacan because the news said so) just in case she somehow felt that someone understood.”
“To the mothers who are going through something, let us not be discouraged. Let us always think of our children who rely on us and continue to trust in our Lord and Savior.”
“Three innocent angels were lost to the world—burned by their own mother, and then by themselves. A tragedy that is hard to fathom. But behind it all, a very serious illness is the cause: depression… Depression is real. It should not be ignored. And sometimes, deception, neglect, and lack of love are what 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 a life.”
RELATED NEWS: Mother sets 3 children on fire before setting herself on fire; netizens weigh in
Meanwhile, mental health advocates advise that if you are going through something, do not be shy about contacting specialists, authorities, or even close people to avoid taking steps and actions that you will regret later.
As of this writing, the victims’ husband and father, as well as the alleged mother-in-law, have not yet spoken or issued a statement. The News is open to their side.