TOLENTINO (FB)
BALER, Aurora – The local government of Dipaculao, Aurora is conducting a parallel investigation on the drowning of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity on Monday, June 8.
Mayor Danilo A. Tolentino said they are working alongside national authorities to determine possible lapses in safety protocols that led to the deaths of Adili, 21, and Baterbonia, 19.
Authorities have conducted an inspection of the resort where the victims stayed as they review compliance of resorts and hotels in the province with safety regulations.
Initial findings said the resort may have failed to coordinate with the local government unit, a requirement for water-related activities under municipal policy.
Tolentino stressed the importance of coordination to ensure the safety of people in such events.
He noted that warning signages were present at the resort, including advisories against swimming and reminders to wear life vests.
But a report from Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council indicated that the victims were not wearing life vests when the incident occurred.
Police said they were wading in waist-deep water when the suddenly disappeared possibly due to an undercurrent.
A search was conducted and Baterbonia was recovered after about 30 minutes and Adili an hour later.
Tolentino said the investigation seeks to identify accountability and strengthen coastal safety ordinances, citing recurring drowning incidents in three coastal barangays here.
Provincial Board Members Mariano Tangson and Jennifer Araña have called for a formal inquiry on the incident and Governor Isidro Galvan condoled and urged the people to pray for the victims.
Authorities said a consolidated report will be released after the investigation which will serve as basis for possible liability and stricter safety measures.