Alas Pilipinas player Ike Barilea passes away

Rising Alas Pilipinas men's player Ike Barilea has passed away at the age of 21.

The national team announced the news on Tuesday, bidding farewell to the young opposite hitter who was part of the pool for the recent 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship hosted by the Philippines last September.

The team did not disclose details surrounding his death.

"The court feels emptier, and our hearts heavier," Alas Pilipinas said in a Facebook post.

"Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the heart you gave to the team. Heaven gained an angel, but we lost a piece of ours. Fly high, our dear ALAS."

Barilea was part of Alas' wide roster for the world championship, joining the likes of Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Joshua Retamar, Leo Ordiales, and Kim Malabunga. 

Barilea was also part of Alas-Cignal that bannered the country during the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League last May in Japan. He, however, did not see action in either of their two games against Osaka Bluteon and Shanghai Bright as the Filipino bets ended up winless with a 0-2 card. 

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News