By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Philippine volleyball community is grieving the untimely passing of Alas Pilipinas national men’s volleyball team player Ike Barilea, who died on Tuesday, November 11, at the age of 21.

Barilea was regarded as one of the sport’s promising young spikers from Negros.

Police said the Negrense player lost his life after his motorcycle was hit by a bus along Villena Street at Barangay Zone 2 in Negros Occidental’s Cadiz City past noon on Monday, November 10.

The accident resulted in fatal injuries to Barilea.

He was immediately rushed to the Cadiz City Emergency Clinic but was declared dead on arrival.

The bus driver, a resident of Bacolod City’s Barangay Singcang-Airport, is now under police custody for proper investigation and disposition.

Authorities are continuing their probe to determine the circumstances leading to the collision.

Barilea first made a name for himself in the 2025 U21 National Finals, where he led 1Silay Volleyball Club to a bronze medal finish.

His impressive showing earned him a spot in the initial pool of the Alas Pilipinas men’s team for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, where he trained with some of the country’s best volleyball talents.

Barilea also saw international action earlier this year, competing with Cignal in the 2025 AVC Men’s Champions League in Japan. Prior to that, he suited up for Santa Rosa City during the 2022 Spikers’ Turf season.

Friends, teammates and fans paid tribute to Barilea, remembering him as a hardworking and passionate athlete whose energy and dedication inspired many in the volleyball community.

Barilea’s passing leaves a void in Philippine volleyball, cutting short a career filled with potential and promise. / With Cesar Jolito III / ASC, WDJ