DOJ Orders NBI Probe Into Ateneo Players’ Drowning

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a separate investigation into the deaths of two members of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) men’s basketball team who drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora province on June 8.

The DOJ announced on Wednesday that it had instructed the NBI to create a task force to investigate the incident and determine whether criminal liability may have arisen from the deaths of rookie player Rene Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, a 21-year-old Nigerian student-athlete.

The move comes a day after the Aurora Provincial Police Office concluded that the drowning incident was “purely an accident” and ruled out foul play based on its initial investigation.

Despite the police findings, the DOJ said a comprehensive investigation remains necessary.

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

The deaths occurred during a team-building activity at a beach resort in Barangay Lipit, Dipaculao town, Aurora.

Authorities said the two players were among a group of Ateneo athletes participating in a training session near the shoreline when they were swept away by strong currents.

Police Col. Percival Pineda, acting provincial director of the Aurora police, said the players were wading through waters approximately waist-deep at around 2:40 p.m. on June 8.

According to investigators, the group had moved to an area about 300 meters away from the resort grounds.

Pineda said the activity was conducted privately.

“[They] asked to be left alone,” he said. “The team asked not to be disturbed. The activity was closed.”

Authorities said the area where the players entered the water was located away from the main beachfront where resort personnel and lifeguards were stationed.

“The place they went to walk by the coastline was far from the resort front, around 300 meters. But the resort owner said it was safe in front of them and their lifeguard was there,” Pineda said.

Investigators disclosed that two other players were also caught by the current during the incident. Both were successfully rescued, while Baterbonia and Adili remained missing for approximately 30 to 40 minutes before being located.

Emergency responders administered first aid after the two athletes were recovered from the water. They were later transported to a medical facility where they were declared dead.

Pineda said Baterbonia’s cause of death was listed as “asphyxia by drowning.”

The police official also addressed speculation that had circulated online following the tragedy. Quoting accounts from local disaster response personnel, Pineda said responders found no signs of physical injuries inconsistent with drowning.

“Did not see any weights on the (victims’) feet and hands, or any bruises when they were given first aid,” he said.

Authorities also noted that the resort had warning signs and safety measures in place for guests engaging in water activities. However, Pineda said there had been no prior coordination with the local government regarding the team-building exercise.

“Based on our conversation with the resort owner, the team’s activity was kept exclusive,” he said.

As investigations continue, Ateneo has begun extending support to the families of the victims and members of the basketball program.

The university announced that Baterbonia’s remains were brought to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City, while arrangements are being made to return Adili’s remains to Nigeria.

An autopsy on Baterbonia will be conducted at the request of his family. Ateneo also said members of the Blue Eagles basketball team will undergo psychological intervention and counseling following the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Dipaculao local government officials are planning a separate investigation into the incident.

Rovelyn Baterbonia, Rene’s mother, said she is not yet considering legal action as she awaits additional information from the university.

“For now, I will prioritize [the funeral] of my son before I [decide] on the next steps because I’m still waiting for the information [Ateneo] will provide me,” she said during a press conference organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.

She also revealed that she has not yet received updates regarding the autopsy findings and has not spoken with Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin since her son’s death.

“Even if we face each other now, I don’t think I’d be able to speak with him because, as I said, I will attend to my son first. I will prioritize his funeral,” she said.

Police said investigators have yet to obtain statements from the victims’ teammates, many of whom remain traumatized by the incident.

“Our investigators and police (in Aurora) tried to take their statements but … they were still in a state of shock,” Pineda said. “The ones who gave affidavits were the two coaching staff members. Those two were the ones sent to speak for them.”

The NBI task force is expected to coordinate with local authorities and review all available evidence as part of the DOJ’s effort to determine whether further legal action is warranted.