Marikina school under fire as Grade 11 student collapsed and died during intramurals
A high school in Marikina is under fire after a Grade 11 student collapsed during a basketball game for its intramurals and ultimately died due to alleged lack of proper medical response.
In a statement on Feb. 23, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College (OLOPSC) confirmed that senior high student Shann Mikhail Estaquio was part of its mini-Olympics on Feb. 22 when he "suddenly collapsed" at 9:27 a.m.
"Despite the urgent response from our experienced emergency medical responders prior to the arrival of the ambulance, unfortunately Shan expired at the hospital at around 11:06 a.m.," OLOPSC said.
The school said it "will be extending any and all forms of assistance to help Shann's family including financial and emotional support."
Its guidance office will also conduct stress debriefings and grief counseling to everyone who witnessed the incident.
OLOPSC noted that Shann's passing was an "unforeseen and isolated" case.
"We reassure everyone that our school is continuously putting a premium to the total well-being of our community," it said, adding that it's taking "all countermeasures to avoid similar incidents in the future, including strengthening our emergency response protocols."
OLOPSC said it's listening to everyone's comments and suggestions.
It also closed on Feb. 24 "as a sign of respect to Shann."
Before OLOPSC issued a statement, the issue went viral online, including on Facebook and Reddit.
A user recalled Shann going into a seizure, during which school staff supposedly administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The Barrow Neurological Institute advises the public not to administer CPR during a seizure as individuals' breathing is expected to resume normally afterward.
The user said students tried to get outside help but guards supposedly prohibited them from going out.
The game's live stream was ended, while the school allegedly kept deleting comments before ultimately closing it to stop the angry viewers.
Users, meanwhile, rushed toward OLOPSC's other Facebook posts, giving "Angry" reactions and demanding justice in the comments.
'Not just incompetence but negligence'
The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) on Feb. 23 criticized OLOPSC over Shann's death, saying it's not just incompetence but negligence.
"A school of such stature should be able to afford qualified medical professionals on standby, especially during could-be high-risk events like intramurals," the SCAP said in a statement. "Their failure to do so, along with their alleged efforts to suppress discussions and erase evidence, speaks volumes about their priorities—protecting their image over ensuring the safety and well-being of their students."
It also called out the school for "downplaying" the incident as unforeseen and isolated.
"Their failure to recognize their lapses in medical response, lack of proper emergency protocols, and absence of immediate medical personnel only proves their gross disregard for student welfare," it said. "This was not an accident—it was a systemic failure that could have been prevented had the institution taken proactive steps to ensure student safety."
The SCAP said a "mere financial offer" for funeral expenses won't suffice, and OLOPSC "must be held responsible for its failure to provide proper medical assistance and ensure student safety."
"This tragedy should not be silenced or forgotten," it said.
The SCAP said it's coordinating with OLOPSC's senior high school student council and individual students "for further collective action."
