PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — Tragedy struck the ongoing BARMAA 2026 sporting event after an 11-year-old sepak takraw player from Lamitan City, Basilan, died following a choking incident while at their billeting quarters on Saturday evening.
The victim, identified as Phiben Ansoc, a Grade 5 pupil of Ubit Elementary School, was in Parang representing Lamitan City in the regional athletic meet when the incident occurred.
According to initial reports, Ansoc was eating dinner inside their quarters at Mac-Ale Memorial Elementary School when he suddenly experienced difficulty breathing after choking on food. A nurse present at the scene immediately attempted to dislodge the obstruction using manual clearing and the Heimlich maneuver, but these efforts proved unsuccessful.
Medical findings later confirmed that the child suffered acute respiratory failure due to aspiration, as disclosed by Lamitan Division School Nurse Gloria Pangilinan.
Ansoc was rushed to the Iranun Provincial Hospital, where attending physician Dr. Abdul Nasifh Bilao said the patient had already been in distress for approximately 40 minutes prior to arrival. He was brought in without a pulse and barely breathing.
Emergency responders immediately initiated life-saving measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), cardiac monitoring, and the administration of medications to revive heart activity. Doctors also performed endotracheal intubation due to critically low oxygen levels. Tests revealed that the patient also had low blood sugar, which was promptly addressed.
Despite regaining a heartbeat temporarily, Ansoc remained in critical condition, unconscious and with signs of severe brain injury. He was later transferred to a higher-level medical facility for advanced care, including mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
However, upon arrival at the referral hospital, the young athlete again lost both breathing and pulse. Despite renewed resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead on arrival.
Dr. Bilao clarified that there were no indications of food poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or bleeding, debunking circulating claims linking the incident to contaminated food. He emphasized that the cause of death was choking, a preventable emergency that requires immediate and proper response.
“This was a case of airway obstruction leading to respiratory failure,” Bilao explained, stressing the importance of public awareness on basic life-saving techniques.
He urged the public to observe safety measures, including chewing food thoroughly, eating slowly, learning basic life support such as the Heimlich maneuver, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity without proper nutrition and rest.
The doctor also called for responsible sharing of information, warning against the spread of misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
Authorities and school officials expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of the young athlete, describing it as a heartbreaking loss not only for his family but also for the Lamitan delegation.
Ansoc’s remains are scheduled to be transported back to Lamitan City, where his family and community await his return.
The incident has cast a shadow over the BARMAA 2026 games, prompting renewed calls for stricter health and safety protocols in athletic events, particularly those involving young participants.