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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ateneo drowning probe seen as guide for future student safety measures, says PNP

Ateneo drowning probe seen as guide for future student safety measures, says PNP

Published Jun 19, 2026 02:56 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated that the ongoing probe into the drowning deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Aurora aims to help establish stronger nationwide safety standards for schools and sports organizations.
  • The CIDG has completed roughly 80% of its investigation, having subpoenaed at least 48 individuals—including Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, who recently provided his testimony—with a final report expected to be submitted to the DOJ next week.
  • Investigators are examining potential lapses in supervision and have not ruled out violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (RA 11053), noting that hazing can legally encompass exposing participants to dangerous situations or severe psychological pressure.
(L-R) Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia (File)
(L-R) Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia (File)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, June 19, that the ongoing investigation into the drowning deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) student-athletes in Aurora could help establish stronger safety standards for schools and sports organizations nationwide.
Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said investigators are looking beyond determining criminal liability and are also examining circumstances that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The probe centers on the deaths of Ateneo Blue Eagles players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
“We owe it to the grieving families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili to complete a full and impartial investigation before drawing any conclusion. Rushing the process may overlook critical facts that determine whether this was an accident, negligence, or a possible violation of the law,” Nartatez said in a statement.
The PNP's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has completed about 80 percent of its investigation. At least 48 individuals have been subpoenaed as part of the inquiry and the remaining witnesses are expected to appear on June 19 and June 22.
The CIDG is targeting to submit its final report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) next week, according to PNP.
The PNP said it was also examining possible lapses in supervision and accountability among those who organized the training activity.
ADMU Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin appeared before the CIDG at Camp Crame to personally give his version of the incident, after failing to appear in two previous summons.
Nartatez said all possible angles remain under review, including potential violations of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
He noted that hazing is not limited to physical violence and may also involve exposing participants to dangerous situations or subjecting them to psychological pressure.
The possibility of applying the Anti-Hazing Law surfaced after questions were raised about the circumstances surrounding the training activity that preceded the deaths of the two athletes.
“Through this impartial and comprehensive investigation, we hope that schools, coaches, and sports organizations would clearly understand that the safety and welfare of students must always come first,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said investigators are continuing to gather testimonies and evidence as they seek to determine whether the deaths resulted from an accident, negligence, or violations of existing laws.

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PNP Ateneo de Manila University Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
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