THE opening ceremony of the BARMMAA in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. (Bangsamoro Government FB)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A sepak takraw athlete from Basilan died while competing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association Meet in Parang town, Maguindanao del Norte province on Sunday, April 12.
The remains of Phiben Ansoc, 11, from Ubit Elementary School in Lamitan City, arrived in Lamitan on Monday, April 13.
Ansoc died from acute respiratory failure due to aspiration, a report by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education-Lamitan Division said.
Ansoc’s family mourned his death and raised questions over the lack of competent medical personnel and dire living conditions of athletes in the competition.
Flor, the victim’s mother, said her son had no existing medical condition prior to participating in the BARMMAA.
Reports said the victim could have succumbed to fatal effects of choking while having dinner. The victim was reportedly subjected to emergency treatment but eventually died. School authorities are still obtaining details on his death.
The Lamitan city government condoled and offered assistance to the family of the victim.