CHED launches fact-finding review into deaths of Ateneo athletes Baterbonia, Adili
At A Glance
- CHED said Ateneo has been asked to submit information and explanations as part of the fact-finding review to help determine what happened and assess compliance with existing policies and standards.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has launched a fact-finding review into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who died during a team training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.
“This tragic incident demands a thorough, impartial, and immediate examination of all circumstances surrounding the deaths of these students,” CHED said in a statement on Wednesday, June 10.
CHED said Ateneo has been asked to submit information and explanations as part of the fact-finding review to help determine what happened and assess compliance with existing policies and standards.
On June 9, CHED-National Capital Region office met with university officials and required them to submit a comprehensive incident report as part of its initial assessment.
“Based on information provided by the ADMU Crisis Management Team, the incident occurred during an off-season team-building and training camp involving 24 student-athletes and seven adult supervisors composed of coaches and staff members of the ADMU Men’s Basketball Team,” CHED said.
During the meeting, Ateneo presented its initial response, while CHED moved to lay the groundwork for an administrative review and asked for additional documents needed to complete its assessment.
Likewise, the Commission said it is taking part in the Sports Stakeholders’ Panel organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as a parallel effort to its fact-finding review, which is reviewing policies and practices on athletic training, team activities, and student-athlete welfare.
Under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 6847, CHED is tasked to work with the PSC in developing and implementing the school sports development program.
CHED assured that the safety and welfare of students must never be compromised.
“The Commission will pursue the truth without exception, ensure that accountability is imposed where warranted, and require corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies,” it said.
“No institution, official, or individual responsible for student welfare is exempt from accountability,” it added.