[TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of suicide in this article]
THE mother of a promising senior high school volleyball player of Far Eastern University claimed that the bullying her daughter allegedly suffered from teammates and a member of the coaching staff at her former school drove her to take her own life.
The mother said authorities should investigate the circumstances that pushed her to end it all.
FEU Diliman confirmed last week the death of one of its students on campus grounds. The school did not identify the student nor disclose the circumstances surrounding her death.
FEU statement
The university, in a statement, said it was providing support for those affected and it was coordinating with authorities.
It also asked the public to "respect the privacy of the student and her family and refrain from circulating names, photos, videos, or unverified information regarding the circumstances of the death."
The mother, Jhoy Pacheco, has since come out to confirm the death of her daughter, Jamie Ignacio, a senior high-school student and a member of the school’s volleyball team who had previously played for the Arellano University girls volleyball team before transferring to FEU.
The mother claimed that Jamie allegedly experienced bullying during her time with Arellano's varsity program, reportedly at the hands of a coach and some fellow students.
Unable to take the bullying any longer, Jamie, 17, decided to transfer to FEU.
Mother's claims
But the mother said the bullying continued. Taking the brunt of her accusation was a member of the coaching staff.
“Sa mga training nila, nagpaparinig ang mga bully sa kanya. Walang peace of mind ang anak ko. Nung kinausap ko ang coach tungkol sa mga sumbong sa akin, ang anak ko pa ang pinagalitan dahil nagsumbong sa akin. Palagi pinapaiyak ng coach niya ang anak ko, sobra-sobra lang talaga itong huli kaya hindi na niya kinaya.”
The mother said she thought of getting therapy for her daughter but decided otherwise after noticing that Jamie changed for the better upon her transfer to FEU. But it did not last.
"Sana naipagamot ko muna siya kaso, nung huli, walang sign na malungkot siya dahil masaya na siya sa FEU, pero tuwing magpopost siya ng pictures sa bagong team, magre-react ng negative and katatawanan ang former teammates at maging ang coach niya.”
Mrs. Pacheco said that when her daughter was still with Arellano, she brought the issue to the attention of Arellano's athletic department.
However, she claimed no action was taken.
Pacheco said the family is now seeking accountability from Arellano, hoping the university will act on the allegations and examine its varsity program to keep other student-athletes from experiencing a similar treatment.
The mother said several of Jamie's former teammates have since reached out to her after her daughter's death to apologize for not doing anything about the bullying she alleged.
Pacheco said some of her daughter’s former teammates told her they had been afraid to speak up because they feared losing their spots on the varsity team.
For Pacheco, these messages have raised questions about the environment under which the players are working and also whether student-athletes can feel safe enough to report problems without fear of repercussions.
Her family wants Arellano to look into the allegations and hold those responsible accountable, hoping it would lead to changes on how student-athletes are cared for.
SPIN.ph has reached out to Arellano University to seek clarification on Pacheco's claims, including her allegation that the school's athletic director had been informed about the bullying but did not act.
Arellano University today, September 30, responded with an official statement:
"Arellano University mourns the passing of a former student-athlete who had transferred to another school and was enrolled therein at the time of her passing. She will always remain a cherished part of the Arellano University community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her mother, family, friends, and teammates. We join them in remembering her life and grieving this painful loss.
"We take the concerns raised seriously and recognize that they deserve careful consideration. Out of respect for the family’s grief and the privacy and rights of everyone concerned, the University will exercise care and restraint in its public statements. Our expressions of sympathy do not prejudge the facts or the rights and responsibilities of any party.
"The dignity, safety, and well-being of our students remain central to our commitment as an academic community. We appeal for compassion and sensitivity and ask everyone to refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information that could deepen the family’s pain or unfairly prejudice those concerned.
"Our thoughts remain with her family, friends, and teammates. We stand with all who mourn her and honor her memory."
Efforts to get the side of the school's coaching staff have yet to get a response.
As of this writing, FEU has not publicly disclosed the circumstances surrounding Jamie's death, although its officials have confirmed that Dionisio was found dead in the campus on the morning of September 15 and that the police from nearby Camp Karingal came to investigate the matter.
Results of the police investigation have yet to be released.
Pacheco said that FEU officals have been “helpful” to their family and that she is grateful for the assistance.
'Very promising'
One FEU official who spoke on condition of anonymity said that Dionisio came to their school highly recommended, describing her as a “5-foot-9 setter who looked very promising."
The FEU source said: "Our coach liked her. Isipin mo, 5-9 s'ya, tapos setter. Madalang ka lang makakita ng ganoon."
Pacheco hopes her daughter's tragic death will prompt Arellano University to take a closer look at its varsity program and initiate changes to make sure young athletes are protected under its care.
Pacheco told SPIN.ph: “Sobrang sakit at hirap ng mga pinaranas nila sa anak ko, hindi ako titigil na di siya mabigyan ng hustisya hanggang buhay ako.”
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