Slapshock frontman, Jamir Garcia, passed away in an apparent suicide. He was 43 years old.
Quezon City Police District Talipapa Police chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Christine Tabdi to GMA News Online on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Talipapa police report, Jamir was found lifeless inside their house’s comfort room in Quezon City, a few minutes past nine on Thursday morning, November 26.
Garcia was then rushed to Metro-North hospital, but the attending physician declared him dead on arrival.
“‘Yun nga nirespondehan ng pulis kasi nireport na may lifeless body pero sa hospital na rin siya nakuwan, tapos dineclare ng doctor na dead on arrival,” Tabdi said in a phone interview.
According to Tabdi, they turned over the case to QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit to determine Jamir Garcia’s cause of death.
“Sila na ‘yung gagawa ng further investigation…” Tabdi said.
Slapshock was formed during the University of the Philippines Fair on February 14, 1997, which marked their first-ever gig. By early 1998, original singer Reynold Munsayac left, and Garcia was soon afterward brought in to replace him. The band’s name came from the funky guitar plucking and chord slapping technique that characterized much of the nu-metal sound. Rap-funk-punk-metal fusion band Red Hot Chili Peppers are a major influence.
Also read: Pia Wurtzbach breaks silence over family’s issues
Slapshock frontman Jamir Garcia dies in apparent suicide
Amid social struggles, Slapshock is very vocal and profound with their stands on issues facing Filipinos. Rampant piracy in the country is one problem most artists are concerned with. “We get affected because we pay taxes to the government, then they can’t even protect us,” Jamir Garcia complained.
Among their most popular songs include “Agent Orange,” “Ngayon Na,” “Langit,” “Anino Mo,” “Salamin,” and “Luha,” among others.
On social media, Pinoy Rock musicians and fans expressed their grief over Jamir Garcia’s untimely passing.
“I’m saddened to hear of Jamir’s passing. Truefaith & Slapshock were labelmates in EMI-Philippines back in the 2000s. #RIPJamir,” said Med of band Truefaith.
“RIP, Jamir. ????,” posted actor Paolo Avelino.
Meanwhile, Pinoy rock icons Ebe Dancel and Raymund Marasigan were out words in the singer’s death.