The Bohol Island State University (BISU)-Clarin Campus, in answer to allegations in the social media, as the primary cause of the death by suicide of a certain Mark Anthony Lopez and with the intention of clearing the university and its faculty of any fault or lapses of any nature relative thereto.
It was impressed in the social media by a netizen that said Mark Anthony Lopez, a student of BISU-Clarin, committed suicide on Oct 6, 2020 allegedly after an instructor denied acceptance of a project- requirement that he personally submitted at BISU-Clarin Campus the previous day on the reason that said submission was already late.
The University categorically denies any truth to the above allegations, all being unfounded, baseless and malicious.
It could never be true that the said student was denied acceptance of a project requirement being late, as the University have just barely started its classes in the later part of September 2020, and no project requirements have been assigned among its students yet. All instructors handling the subjects enrolled by the late Mr. Lopez can verily attest to this fact.
More so, the modules for the 1st semester for SY 2020-2021 would further prove that no requirements having deadline earlier than October 5, 2020.
That there is no truth likewise to the statement that said Mr. Lopez indeed went to BISU Clarin Campus on the day of October 5, 2020, not even the CCTV recordings inside the campus on said date nor the security guards’ logbook would show that Mark Anthony was in the campus on or before Oct. 5, 2020. Be it noted that the university campus is strictly recording entry inside the campus in compliance with health protocols for COVID-19.
It is on the above premises that the Bohol Island State University in general, and BISU-Clarin Campus in particular, and through these media would wish to be cleared from any erroneous belief of any involvement to the loss of one of its students.
FINALLY, the university would herein manifest its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mark Anthony. We are one with them in the sense of loss and profound sadness due to his passing. We are thankful that the family personally clarified that they do not hold the university responsible for what happened, and instead criticized fake news and irresponsible use of social media for muddling the issue.
Even as BISU was navigating through the fallout that followed the uproar, we did not lose sight of the fact that our responsibilities and services did not stop with Mark Anthony. Cognizant of the emotional and psychological state of his family, debriefing and counselling services were provided by personnel from the Pagpakabuhi Center and DSWD through the efforts of the BISU Guidance Center. Campus officials also visited the wake to personally offer their sympathies and deliver financial support.
Our sincerest gratitude to the stakeholders who showed their support for BISU. As the premier state university in the province of Bohol, we will continue to uphold our mandate to provide quality education for everyone while staying responsive to the needs of our constituents in the new normal.
This 21st day of October 2020, Clarin, Bohol, Philippines.
