Student-athlete dies, 2 coaches hospitalized during BARMM regional games

The Bangsamoro Ministry of Health (MOH-BARMM) has raised the alarm following the death of an 11-year-old student-athlete and the hospitalization of two coaches during the ongoing BARMM Athletic Association Meet 2026 in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

The Grade 5 sepak takraw athlete from Lamitan City, Basilan, died on April 12, 2026.

Based on reports, the student was having dinner in a billeting area at that time when he was found struggling to breathe. He was rushed to a hospital.

Initial findings showed that he suffered from acute respiratory failure due to aspiration.

“There were nurses present there and they did all they can to give the first aid and since walang improvement diretso… within minute, napadala siya sa Iranun district hospital where the doctor confirmed the presence of food sa kanyang mouth and the boy was also unresponsive they instituted emergency intervention. Nagkaroon ng pulse na bahagya yung bata and, eventually, the boy was referred to Cotabato Regional Medical Center kasi nga kulang din ng gamit ang ating hospital,” Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. said.

Meanwhile, a 47-year-old weightlifting coach was hospitalized after his varicose veins reportedly ruptured and experienced continuous bleeding.

However, his condition was stabilized later by the doctor.

A taekwondo coach remains in critical condition, as of this writing, after he reportedly had a stroke.

Based on his medical record, his blood pressure reportedly spiked to 240/180, indicating a hypertensive emergency.

BARMM officials expressed concern over the incidents, leading to adjustments in the conduct of games.

“I think it’s the very high temperature. Kaya, the BARMM officials decided lahat ng mga outdoor activities nila was suspended from 9 o ‘clock hanggang alas tres… lahat ng mga tinuloy lang indoor sports, at saka sports na hindi masyadong kailangan ng physical activities,” Sinolinding added.

Officials also acknowledged gaps in preparedness.

“Actually, lahat ng ating athletes, meron silang medical examination to determine whether they are fit para sa competition. Ang hindi talaga natin nagawa comprehensively, ito nga yung learning curve namin, realization, lahat dapat ng mga nurses natin at mga coaches at saka mga officials should have been trained sa basic life support kasi ‘yun ‘yung emergency intervention na pwede natin gawin in the absence of medical professional,” Sinolinding said. —Efren Yunting Mamac, GMA Regional TV