Davao Oriental athlete dies of dengue

DAVAO CITY — A 12-year old student-athlete from Davao Oriental died due to complications from dengue while participating in the Davao Regional Athletic Association meet here on Wednesday, police said on Thursday.

A report from the Davao City Police Office said Hadia Eronico, a Grade 6 pupil from Banaybanay, Davao Oriental and a member of her province’s volleyball team, expired at the Southern Philippines Medical Center nearly 12 hours after she was rushed there by her coach and some medical personnel from the Davao Oriental delegation.

An investigation by Chief Insp. Ricky Obenza revealed that around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Eronico refused to get out of bed and eat breakfast.

Her coach, Joezel Mae Duro, told investigators the girl also started coughing up some blood, prompting her hospitalization.

Police said physician Rani Valles pronounced her dead around 7:30 p.m. due to multiple organ failure brought about by severe dengue.

About 5,000 athletes, coaches, team officials, and other guests took part in the week-long games which kicked off Jan. 27.

The Southern Mindanao school-based sports meet was being participated by athletes from the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley and the cities of Davao, Tagum, Digos, Samal, and Panabo. Frinston Lim, Mart Sambalud /lzb