Metro Manila, Philippines – The death of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players during a team-building activity requires a thorough and impartial investigation, Malacañang said Thursday, June 11.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants authorities to ensure a full probe.
Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team, drowned in a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
Baterbonia, an incoming rookie from Agusan del Sur, was the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa boys’ basketball tournament, while Adili, a Nigerian student-athlete, played for Ateneo in UAAP Season 88.
The two participated in a water activity when they were reportedly swept away by strong current.
“Unang-una po, of course, ay nakikiramay tayo sa pangyayaring ito,” Castro said in a press briefing.
[Translation: First of all, we extend our condolences over this incident.]
Castro said the president is calling for an in-depth investigation.
“Kailangan talaga ng imbestigasyon dahil hindi talaga naging maganda ang naging resulta ng nasabing training. Of course, hindi natin kailangan i-pre-empt or mag-prejudge dito. So kailangan talaga ng agarang imbestigasyon,” Castro added.
[Translation: There really needs to be an investigation because the outcome of the training was not good. Of course, we should not preempt or prejudge. So a prompt investigation is necessary.]
The Department of Justice has directed the National Bureau of Investigation to form a special task force to conduct a comprehensive probe and determine possible criminal liability.
