The Police Regional Office-3 (Central Luzon) has condoled with the families of Ateneo men’s basketball team players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia who drowned during a team-building activity on Monday afternoon in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Initial investigation said that the victims were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters.
The Dipaculao Municipal Police Station immediately responded upon receiving information regarding the incident and coordinated with concerned agencies to provide the necessary assistance, PRO-3 chief Police Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said.
The victims were promptly transported to a medical facility where they were later declared dead.
“The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) expresses its deepest condolences to the families, friends, teammates, and the entire Ateneo de Manila University community following the tragic drowning incident that claimed the lives of two student-athletes in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, 2026,” Mendez said.
“PRO-3 assures the public that it will continue to diligently perform its mandate, conduct a thorough investigation, and coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure that all aspects of the incident are properly addressed.”
“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and allow the authorities to complete the investigation. We also urge beachgoers and tourists to observe safety advisories and exercise extra caution when engaging in water activities, particularly in areas where strong currents may be present,” Mendez added.