Malacañang on Thursday assured the families of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes that authorities will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into their deaths during an out-of-school team activity in Aurora.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro extended the government’s condolences and prayers to the families, schoolmates, and friends of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team who died in an alleged drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
Baterbonia, 19, was an incoming Ateneo rookie from Agusan del Sur and the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa boys’ basketball tournament. Adili, 21, was a Nigerian student-athlete who played for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88.
The two were reportedly participating in a sea-based activity at a beach resort when they were swept into deeper waters by a strong current.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants an immediate and in-depth investigation, not only into the Ateneo incident but also into other cases involving the loss of Filipino lives.
“Ang nais din po ng Pangulo ay hindi lamang sa sitwasyon na ganito kundi sa lahat ng mga Pilipino na napupunta sa ganitong klase ng sitwasyon. Dapat po ang agarang pag-iimbestiga,” Castro said.
She said the investigation should determine whether lapses or irregularities contributed to the deaths and ensure that those responsible, if any, are held accountable.
Castro added that reports and rumors that hazing may have been involved make it more necessary for authorities to establish the facts.
“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,” she said.
Malacañang said the probe should proceed without prejudgment, but with urgency, fairness, and full regard for the families seeking answers.