The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) issued a statement today asking the public not to share Razorback drummer Brian Velasco’s suicide video, a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with.
Velasco, who died yesterday, recorded his apparent suicide on Facebook Live. The video has since been taken down from the social media platform. However, some netizens have reportedly been sharing the video online.
We send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Brian Velasco.
Depression is a serious health issue and we need to start talking about this to end the stigma around it. pic.twitter.com/cNzZxOL0bE
— Department of Health (@officialdohgov) January 17, 2019
In a statement shared on its Twitter account, the DOH said: “We [are] aware of the video going around the internet of his suicidal act. We request for the public to stop sharing this tragic video and respect the family who are (sic) still grieving and in pain due to this unfortunate event.”
Meanwhile, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Velasco’s family has requested the Manila Police District (MPD) to stop their investigation into the drummer’s death. A spokesperson from the MPD also said that the family didn’t want Velasco’s body to undergo an autopsy.
At this point, several Filipino musicians have paid tribute to Velasco, who died at 41. His band Razorback posted a photo of him on their Facebook account yesterday, writing that they “will always miss” him.
Velasco joined the rock band in 1996 to replace drummer Miguel Ortigas, according to ABS-CBN News. Razorback just last year celebrated their 28th anniversary with the release of the single Stargazer.
His Razorback bandmate Tirso Ripoll posted his photo on Instagram and wrote: “I love you Bri. Sleep well, Sweet Prince.”
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Singer Basti Artadi posted several photos of himself with Velasco on his Instagram account. He wrote that he will miss Velasco “very very much.”
Guitarist Francis Reyes wrote that he was “having difficulty processing what happened.”
Hey Brian, I hope you have your peace now. Will remember all the fun and funny times, and your forceful drumming 🙏 Still having difficulty processing what happened #Razorback #RIPBrianVelasco
— Francis Brew Reyes (@francisbrew) January 16, 2019
Singer Ebe Dancel simply wrote Velasco’s name.
Brian…
— Ebe Dancel (@ebedancel) January 16, 2019
Velasco jumped off the rooftop of a Cityland condominium building located in Manila’s P. Ocampo St. yesterday morning. He lived in an apartment in the same building, according to the Inquirer.
If you or anyone you know has mental issues or is struggling with personal problems, please call the 24/7 HOPELINE at (02) 804 4673, (0917) 558 4673, or 2919 to seek professional help.
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