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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider PNP expects full compliance from Ateneo coaches, players in probe on student-athletes' drowning

PNP expects full compliance from Ateneo coaches, players in probe on student-athletes' drowning

Published Jun 12, 2026 02:35 pm

At A Glance

  • Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said witness accounts remain central in reconstructing what led to the deaths of Rene Baterbonia, 19, and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, a 21-year-old Nigerian.
Rene Clert Baterbonia, right, and Divine Adili (Rene Clert Baterbonia Facebook post / UAAP Media)
Rene Clert Baterbonia, right, and Divine Adili (Rene Clert Baterbonia Facebook post / UAAP Media)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday, June 12, called for the full cooperation of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Men’s Basketball Team coaches, players, and other individuals summoned in the investigation into the drowning of their two student-athletes in Aurora province.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said witness accounts remain central in reconstructing what led to the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, a 21-year-old Nigerian.
“Ateneo is a highly respected institution with a strong support system for basketball. And we appreciate its commitment to cooperate in the entire investigation process in the interest of truth,” Nartatez said in a statement.
The PNP said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has already issued subpoenas to Ateneo coaches and players to examine the circumstances surrounding a team-building activity held at a beach resort in Aurora province which led to the drowning of the two student-athletes.
While investigators from the Aurora Police Provincial Office earlier said initial findings showed no sign of foul play, the probe remains open as statements from all of those involved are still being gathered, according to Nartatez.
“We owe the parents and the people a clear explanation of what really happened amid all the speculations that have been circulating on social media,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said possible violations of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 are also being reviewed as part of the broader inquiry into the team activity.
Nartatez assured that due process will be observed throughout the investigation, saying the probe will remain impartial and independent.
The student-athletes drowned after being caught in a rip current during their team-building activity held on June 8.

Related Tags

PNP Rene Baterbonia Divine Adili Ateneo De Manila University student-athletes Aurora
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