Two Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, die in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday, June 8, according to police and the university. Aurora Provincial Police Office chief Col. Percival Pineda says initial statements from companions indicate the deaths were “purely an accident” and that there is no indication of foul play based on current information. Police reports cited by authorities state the players were swimming and were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters, and local responders coordinated with concerned agencies after the incident.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla says the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will create a report on the incident, and he adds that authorities do not yet know whether foul play is involved. Separate police statements also address online claims that weights were attached to the bodies, saying there were no weights.
Ateneo issues statements of condolence and says it provides support to the families and teammates. The family of Baterbonia requests an autopsy, and the university confirms that an autopsy will be conducted at the request of his parents, coordinating with authorities including the NBI and CIDG.
