The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show cause order (SCO) to the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) following the drowning of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a school-sanctioned team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora earlier this month.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 23, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis said the order was issued after the university allegedly failed to submit documents and information requested by the commission as part of its investigation into the incident that occurred on June 8.

“Given the seriousness of the incident and the Commission's responsibility to ascertain the facts and determine compliance with applicable regulations, CHED made repeated requests for the submission of these documents,” Agrupis said.

On June 9, CHED, through its National Capital Region (NCR) office, directed ADMU to submit an incident report, a certificate of compliance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63, series of 2017, and documents required under Article V of CMO No. 6, series of 2026.

According to CHED, despite follow-up requests from its NCR office, the university failed to provide the required records and information.

“As a result, and in the exercise of its regulatory authority, the Commission issued an SCO on June 16,” Agrupis said.

“CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed. Higher education institutions are expected to cooperate fully with regulatory processes, particularly in incidents involving student safety and welfare,” she added.

Under the order, ADMU is required to submit a written explanation under oath within 10 days from receipt of the SCO and explain why sanctions should not be imposed for alleged violations of regulations governing off-campus activities, provisions of CMO No. 6, series of 2026, in relation to Republic Act No. 11053 and its implementing rules, and its alleged failure to exercise reasonable supervision over students in loco parentis.

Agrupis said CHED remains committed to protecting student welfare and ensuring compliance with safety regulations among higher education institutions.

“Institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and safety requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities,” she said.

The CHED chairperson also urged the public to rely only on official statements and verified information while administrative proceedings are ongoing.