MANILA, Philippines – The Aurora Police Provincial Office (PPO) on Tuesday, June 9, said the deaths of Ateneo Blue Eagles players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili were “purely [an] accident.” 

Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, died from drowning on Monday, June 8, during the Blue Eagles’ team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Police Colonel Percival Pineda, who is the acting Provincial Director of Aurora PPO, said their investigation indicated no signs of foul play. 

“Based on the statements we got from people who were with them, this incident was purely [an] accident. What happened was a natural accident,” said Pineda in Filipino. “At present, we’ve found no indication of foul play in this incident.” 

Pineda said the accident happened at around 2:40 pm on Monday at a private resort in Barangay Lipit, with Baterbonia and Adili taking part in a team activity in the sea. 

Baterbonia, Adili, and other Ateneo players, according to Pineda, were walking in thigh-deep water before they found themselves in a deeper section, then got swept away by strong currents. 

Pineda said the Philippine National Police, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Philippine Coast Guard responded to the scene, but Baterbonia and Adili were later declared dead in a medical facility. 

“Some of their companions tried to help and the resort also had lifeguards who assisted, but unfortunately, two of the players lost their lives,” said Pineda. 

Pineda said the Blue Eagles knew what they were going into, having held the same team building in Aurora for years. 

“This group has conducted a series of similar team activities before. This was not the first time. They also held activities in the same resort in previous years. We believe they were familiar with the situation in the area, which is why they continued with their usual activities,” said Pineda. 

Pineda asked the public to refrain from sharing unverified information.

“As a way of helping the grieving families, we ask everyone to avoid [spreading rumors] for the families’ peace,” said Pineda. 

While the police have found no foul play, calls for a thorough investigation in the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili are mounting, including that of Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. 

Baterbonia hails from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. 

“[T]he next step will be the more complicated investigation surrounding his death, especially if there is no proper explanation from [Ateneo] as to the real reason why the two recruits died during what was supposedly a ‘team building’ activity,” said Cane.

Other lawmakers like Representative Karl Fernandez Legazpi, the Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, also called for a probe.

“The goal is not merely to determine the circumstances of this particular tragedy, but to ensure that no other family has to endure the same loss,” he said. “If this tragedy can happen in one of the country’s most respected educational institutions, then it is incumbent upon us to examine whether sufficient protections exist for student-athletes nationwide.” 

Ateneo de Davao, the high school alma mater of Baterbonia, also hopes for a thorough investigation.

“We trust that the circumstances of this tragedy will be examined fully, and that whatever is found will be addressed with honesty and care for the families,” the school statement said. – Rappler.com