FOR “ABSOLUTE TRUTH”: Three days after confirming the deaths, the university said its immediate priority remained supporting the victims’ families while pursuing what it described as the “absolute truth” behind the June 8, 2026, incident. —Photo from the Ateneo de Manila University website
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday announced an independent fact-finding investigation into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, as multiple government agencies intensified separate inquiries into the drowning incident that claimed the lives of the two basketball players during an off-campus activity in Aurora province.
In a statement signed by university president Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, Ateneo said its board of trustees had ordered a thorough and independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and determine whether safety and athletic protocols were properly observed.
Aurora police earlier reported that Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, were participating in a team-building activity near the shoreline in Dipaculao town on June 8 when they were allegedly swept away by strong currents. The two were recovered about 30 to 40 minutes later.
