Hopes are high as more than 7,000 athletes from across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) compete here for a spot in the Palarong Pambansa later this year.
“This Palarong BARMMAA (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association) 2026 is a celebration of who we are as Bangsamoro,” BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said in a Monday message following the sports event’s Sunday opening.
Welcoming delegates from five provinces, three cities and a special geographic area (SGA), Macacua said he sees only one identity for BARMM’s future, united in sports.
“Sports teach us something deeper; they teach us discipline, respect even when we lose, and humility even when we win. They build camaraderie among people who were once strangers,” he said.
The BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, SGA in North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman on Monday visited the Lamitan City delegates to the BARMMAA event at the sports complex in this town.
After speaking with the athletes and encouraging them to compete fairly and enjoy the games, Hataman handed over PHP650,000 cash assistance intended for the allowance of the entire Lamitan delegation, including technical officials from the Schools Division.
“Think of BARMMAA Meet 2026 as your BARMMAA and not just of Maguindanao. While you are here, enjoy every moment and do your best in your sport,” Hataman said.
The regional sports meet will culminate on April 17.
Unfortunately, a child athlete from Lamitan City has died due to choking while taking his meal at the billeting quarters in Mac-Ale Memorial Elementary School here on Sunday night.
Dr. Abdul Nasifh Bilao of the Iranun Provincial Hospital said the child had been gasping for breath for several minutes before he was rushed to the hospital.
Bilao said health frontliners performed cardiac monitoring and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to no avail. He was moved to a bigger hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. (PNA)
