Ateneo students drowned

BY RHENA JEAN H. BATOBALANI, MARINA O. Villegas & DEANNE MAE C. URBIZTONDO/CMU Interns

A LAWMAKER passed a resolution seeking a “thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation” into the deaths of two Ateneo basketball players while training in Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora, on June 8.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, June 10, Councilor Antoinette G. Principle, chairperson of the committee on education and science and technology, said the objective inquiry will ensure not just accountability for those responsible but also prevent similar incidents from occurring again by adopting the necessary interventions.

“If there was no negligence, then let the facts clear all doubts. If mistakes were made, then let accountability follow. If safety protocols were insufficient, then reforms must be implemented. If lessons must be learned, then let them be learned before another family experiences the same pain. Because the life of every young athlete matters,” Principe said.

Through the resolution, the City Council condoled with surviving families of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

At a young age, Baterbonia already stood as one of the brightest stars of Philippine youth sports. Despite the short term of his basketball career, he already received multiple awards, including being a two-time Palaro gold medalist and Most Valuable Player in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa held at Ilocos Norte. In 2026 Palarong Pambansa he was one of the most outstanding athlete, carrying the colors of Davao Region.

The resolution also urged educational institutions, sports organizations, and other bodies involved in student-athlete programs to conduct a detailed review of safeguarding protocols and welfare policies in training, including both school-based and external training and team-building activities, to protect the young athletes under their supervision.

The bodies of Rene and Divine were transported from Aurora Memorial Hospital to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City on June 9. Rene’s mother requested an autopsy as she doubted the police conclusion that there was no foul play involved, especially since she claimed that her son’s arm was broken and his body was full of bruises.

Ateneo de Manila University claimed that it is cooperating with the appropriate authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in their investigation.

Rene’s parents and brother arrived from Davao City at Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City, where they were met by University President Fr. Roberto Yap, S.J., who conveyed the condolences and prayers of the entire Ateneo community. Meanwhile, the family of Divine Adili has expressed their wish to have his remains returned to Nigeria.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday that it has ordered the NBI Central Office to form a special task force to look into the deaths of Ateneo basketball players.

“As part of its investigation, the NBl will determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges before the DOJ. The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” the DOJ said.