IMUS, Cavite, Philippines — The Imus Diocese’s Peer Counseling Group has convened in a bid to alleviate the increasing number of suicide incidents and cases involving moral turpitude in the province.

The group met for the first time last week and has discussed ways and means to address the reports of suicide cases which are reportedly prevalent in Cavite.

Cavite is the country's most densely-populated province. The Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) reported that there were at least 17 suicide cases in the area in December 2011 and the New Year alone.

The Cavite-based news reporters have exposed the suicide cases in the province now and then and have sought the assistance of some priests in the diocese to address the unwanted incidents.

The Peer Counseling Group was created to help individuals in terms of moral and spiritual guidance to prevent hopelessness and depression that can be fatal at times.

The special group convened and discussed foremost concerns and action plans at a Diocese Center on Tahimik Street, Barangay Poblacion in this town.

The group is composed of members of Our Lady of Pillar Cathedral Team Ministry namely Fathers Adrian Ranola, Ronel Ilano and Allan Valerio and Ugat Foundation Inc. and some 20 volunteer workers from different sectors.