The death of student-athlete Marc Mateo Castillo, 20 years old, has been mourned by the entire boxing community, friends, family, and school. Castillo died after his final bout at the SCUAA National Games last April 26 in Mambajao, Camiguin.
Occidental Mindoro State College confirmed that they are working with agencies and the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association to arrange the return of Castillo's remains. They also provided support to the athlete's family for a dignified return.
Castillo fought for the Southern Tagalog Region against an athlete from the National Capital Region. The fight was stopped in the third round and he was immediately given medical attention at the venue before being taken to the Camiguin General Hospital. As of now, the final results on the exact cause of his death are still awaited.
According to the Municipal Health Office of Mambajao, there are medical teams at every match. Dr. Boel Espinas referred Castillo to the hospital after first aid was administered at the venue.
More than 4,700 athletes and coaches from various state universities and colleges participated in the SCUAA Games. Because of this incident, more attention is now being paid to safety protocols in such competitions.
