For some, it’s vandalism. For others, it’s a lifeline.
Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide and self-harm
You may have seen them on electric posts, walls, road signs, jeepneys, and street carts across Metro Manila, especially in Makati.
Three words appear in stencil graffiti and stickers: “DON’T KILL YOURSELF.”
The materials are linked to a group of the same name, whose social media pages show members placing the stickers around the capital. They also share interviews and content about mental health, personal struggles, and resilience.
Their campaign has drawn mixed reactions online.
Some users described the message as a timely reminder during difficult moments. One Facebook user said receiving a sticker on the way to work came at a time of exhaustion and personal struggles, while a Reddit commenter called it a “lifesaver” after a painful breakup and a series of personal setbacks.
Others questioned whether the blunt wording was effective.
One comment said, “Suicide prevention doesn’t work like that.” while another comment edited the post to say, “Your pain is real. You matter. PH Crisis Hotline: 1553,” adding it is the “right kind of messaging.”
Others, meanwhile, focused on another issue: vandalism.
Philippine laws do not expressly define vandalism but fall under malicious mischief, defined in the Revised Penal Code as a means to “deliberately cause to the property of another any damage.”
Commenters argued that regardless of intention, putting graffiti or stickers in public spaces may constitute vandalism. Some urged the group to “take it to an exhibition or merch, not on the spaces my taxes pay for.”
The debate comes as mental health remains a growing concern in the country. Many Filipinos continue to face barriers to professional care, including cost, limited access to specialists, and persistent stigma.
The National Capital Region Police Office reported that there were 111 incidents of self-harm from Jan. 1 to March 23. The figure is 33 cases higher than the same period in 2025.
Last February, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that in 2024, there had been a suicide mortality rate of 2.7 deaths per 100,000 population.
radar reached out to “Don’t Kill Yourself” for additional comment.
READ:
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