MANILA — The Philippine basketball community was plunged into mourning after two Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Aurora province, prompting a police investigation into possible lapses in safety measures.
Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, a Nigerian student-athlete, were swept away by strong currents while participating in activities at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday. Their deaths have triggered calls for accountability and a thorough review of safety protocols during team activities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed it has launched an investigation into the tragedy, including the possibility of negligence on the part of any individual or organization involved.
“As to the negligence of anybody or liability ng kung sinumang partido ay malalaman natin once the investigation is completed,” PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said during a press briefing.
“We assure you we will be providing updates and findings once it’s been completed,” he added.
Initial findings from local authorities indicated that the two athletes drowned while taking part in activities organized during the team-building event.
Aurora Provincial Police Director Col. Percival Pineda said affidavits submitted by the resort’s lifeguard and personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) pointed to drowning as the cause of death and showed no signs of foul play.
A post-mortem examination on Baterbonia identified the cause of death as “asphyxiation by drowning,” Pineda said.
Investigators also learned that members of the coaching staff allegedly requested privacy from resort management upon arriving at the venue. The team-building activities were reportedly conducted largely along the shoreline.
The two players were reported missing before their bodies were recovered about five meters from shore following a search operation that lasted between 30 and 40 minutes.
“According to the resort management we spoke to, there were waves at that time and they were swept out because of the strong current,” Pineda said.
He added that MDRRMO personnel involved in the rescue operation confirmed that rough sea conditions hampered search efforts.
Pineda also said resort management had allegedly warned the group about the prevailing sea conditions before the incident.
Authorities are currently reviewing witness statements, rescue reports, and other evidence to determine whether safety protocols were observed and whether any individual or organization may be held liable.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have sent shockwaves through the Ateneo community and the broader Philippine basketball sector, with many calling for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy./PN
