Joint investigations and systemic policy reviews are now underway following the tragic drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) student-athletes — Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21. — during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Here’s what we know:

“Strong current”: Authorities issue initial findings of the investigation

In a statement yesterday evening, Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 Regional Director PBGEN Jess Mendez said that, based on initial reports from personnel of the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station, the station responded immediately upon receiving information of the incident.

The victims were transported to a medical facility, but they were later declared dead by the attending physician. Initial findings also indicated that “the victims were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters.”

“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and allow the authorities to complete the investigation. We also urge beachgoers and tourists to observe safety advisories and exercise extra caution when engaging in water activities, particularly in areas where strong currents may be present,” the PRO 3 added.

Ateneo expresses condolences, pledges support for its two student-athletes

On Monday, June 8, ADMU expressed its deepest sympathies to the families of Baterbonia and Adili. 

“The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time,” read the University’s statement. “The University is providing support to the families of Rene and Divine, as well as to their teammates and members of the Ateneo community affected by this tragedy.”

Baterbonia was an incoming rookie for the Blue Eagles, while Adili was the team’s foreign student-athlete in Season 88.

Philippine Sports Commission: “Their loss is a profound tragedy for Philippine sports”

Earlier today, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) released a statement on the passing of Baterbonia and Adili, assuring the public of its full coordination with authorities in the ongoing investigations, “with the objective of establishing a clear, accurate, and comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired”.

The PSC is also convening a panel of sports stakeholders to examine existing policies, protocols, and training practices to strengthen safeguards in athletic training environments. This includes the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the National Youth Commission (NYC), which will

“The goal is not only to understand what happened, but to ensure that lessons lead to safer, more responsive systems that protect athletes while sustaining high-performance sport. Excellence in sport requires environments that push human potential, but never at the expense of safety,” the PSC elaborated.

Pinoys call for justice and stronger protection for student-athletes

Following the tragedy, Filipinos unearthed a clip from an episode of ‘Balyahan with GB and RDO’ posted last December 2025. In the viral clip, former Blue Eagles player Mike Nieto talked about what happens during these student-athlete team buildings.

“Meron po ‘yung pinakasikat nga po na ang tawag po namin nung time namin is ‘yung bootcamp sa Baler. ‘Yun po ‘yung ite-test po n’ya ‘yung physical at saka mental at saka kung paano po kayo ka-close as a team eh. Na parang dadalhin po kami sa isang resort na tago…para po kaming magiging sundalo for one week,” said Nieto.

He recalled that they didn’t have phone access for one week while the team was together. “’Di n’yo po alam kung kailan po kayo gigisingin eh. Minsan, bigla pong may alarm na 3 AM, tapos po maglu-lunges kami sa buhangin. Tapos, lalangoy din po kami. Tapos siyempre, ‘yung iba n’yo pong kasama, ‘di naman po marunong lumangoy. So, hindi n’yo po pwedeng iwan.”

While investigations are still ongoing, the resurfaced clip prompted Pinoys to express genuine concern about the high risk posed by these traditional “hell weeks.”

“Athletes have intense and complex trainings, pero why would you make someone do something they weren’t taught how to, and knowing that it has risks? I’m at loss for words about the incident; if that’s really true, someone has to be punished for it. What a cruel world for those athletes,” read one comment.

Others say the tragedy underscores the need for accountability regarding student safety.

“This tragedy raises serious questions about the planning, supervision, and safety measures in place during the activity. When young athletes are placed in situations that involve water or other risks, those in charge have a responsibility to ensure proper safeguards, qualified supervision, and emergency protocols,” another netizen said.

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