Filipino torch-bearer in 2012 Olympics dies in North Cotabato

Joven Mallo (right) passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015, due to liver cancer. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM (USED WITH PERMISSION)

MLANG, North Cotabato – Joven Mallo, one of the two Filipino hotel workers who became torch-bearers at the 2012 London Olympics, died of lingering illness on Friday evening here, his family confirmed Saturday.

Javi Centina, Mallo’s sister, told the Inquirer that Mallo, 35, had been suffering from liver cancer and had been under treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center for weeks before his death.

Mallo was a native of this town.

Centina said even as he was drawing his last breath, Mallo had thought of the family. He was among the family’s breadwinners.

Mayor Joselito Piñol said Mallo ‘s death came as a surprise because none of his family members informed him that he was ill.

“They never sought help,” Piñol said.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said she too was taken aback at the news that Mallo, who had brought pride to the people of the province when he became one of the torch-bearers at the prestigious games, had died.

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Mendoza said she would have wanted to help had she known that Mallo was ill.

“We sympathize with the family and our prayers go to them. Mallo was a good man and he left us proud,” Mendoza said.

Mallo left Mlang to work in Manila in 2002.

In 2012, he was picked as one of the 8,000 people for the Olympic Torch Relay for being a role model in the community.

Mallo was credited for rescuing a neighbor in Manila from the floods spawned by Typhoon “Ondoy.”

Before his departure for London in 2012, Mallo said he was very proud to be chosen even if he was only to run 300 meters for the Olympic Torch Relay.

“I always boast about being a resident of Mlang,” he said.

Mallo ‘s remains will be brought to the family home in Barangay (village) Buayan here and will be laid to rest on November 16.