Stronger safety standards are being pushed in school camps, sports training programs, and other extracurricular activities as the police’s investigation into the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in Aurora nears completion.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, underscored the need for schools and athletic programs to put student welfare above all other considerations.
Nartatez said the move is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen student protection and ensure that school-sanctioned activities are conducted responsibly.
“The lesson here is that the safety and welfare of students must always come first. Any training, team-building activity, or sports program should be guided by established standards, proper supervision, and risk assessment,” Nartatez said.
He added that unsafe practices, unnecessary hardship, or activities that may place students in danger should have no place in any school program.
The two Ateneo basketball players died during a team camp in Aurora on June 8. Since then, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has interviewed former and current players, coaches, university officials, training personnel, and other witnesses as part of its investigation.
Nartatez earlier said investigators were looking into the possible liability of around 10 to 11 individuals, most of them linked to the university’s basketball program.
The probe is examining whether criminal negligence or violations of the Anti-Hazing Act were committed in connection with the incident.
As the investigation moves toward completion, Nartatez said the PNP will recommend reforms to help prevent similar tragedies in schools and sports programs.
“I would recommend a mandatory safety and accountability framework for all school-sponsored camps and training activities. There should be clear protocols, designated responsible officers, emergency response plans, and proper documentation to ensure that every activity is conducted safely and professionally,” he said.
The PNP is also seeking a joint review with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and sports organizations on existing safety standards for training camps, team-building activities, and other school-sponsored events.
Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with the Department of Justice to ensure the prompt evaluation of evidence and case records once the findings are formally referred for possible prosecution.
“We assure the families that the investigation was conducted thoroughly, objectively, and based on evidence. We will submit our findings and recommendations to the Department of Justice, and we will pursue the truth wherever it leads,” he said.
“No one will be exempt from accountability if the evidence establishes responsibility,” he added.