Image: Facebook/JM Canlas
JM Canlas, actor Elijah Canlas’ younger brother and who starred in films “Kiko Boksingero” and “ANi,” died on Thursday, Aug. 3. He was 17.
JM’s demise was announced by his brother Jerom through the latter’s Facebook page.
“It is with the heaviest heart and deep sorrow that our family announces the death of our bunso, Jamile Matthew Madiclum Canlas, earlier this morning. He was 17,” Jerom said in his post Thursday.
“Jm, as he was known to many, was a talented actor, athlete, musician, singer, debater, and gamer. He was always a proud Filipino with a bias and compassion for the poor and oppressed,” he wrote. “But most of all, JM will forever be remembered as an incredible young man, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, and friend.”
While no cause of death was immediately disclosed, Jerom revealed that JM struggled with his mental health.
“Let us celebrate his short but wonderful life, as he would want us to,” Jerom stated.
“In his adolescence, JM struggled with his mental health,” he said. “If you are experiencing current distress and are in need of URGENT ATTENTION, please proceed to the emergency room of the hospital nearest you.”
JM’s wake will be held from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 at St. Peter Chapel, Quezon Avenue.
Aside from “Kiko Boksingero” and “ANi,” JM also starred in the 2018 short film “The Flaming History of the Dela Cruz Family” alongside his brother Elijah. JM was also part of the one-act play “Mga Bata sa Selda 43” and was among the hosts of the ABS-CBN children’s television show “Team Yey!” /ra