Palace mourns deaths of Ateneo athletes; pushes prompt investigation

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday expressed condolences to the bereaved families of student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City who died during a training at a beach in Aurora.

The Palace is calling for a prompt investigation into the matter.

Student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who were members of the ADMU men’s basketball team, were participating in a training activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao town on Monday afternoon when they were allegedly swept away by strong currents, resulting in their deaths.

READ: Aurora police: No foul play in drowning of Ateneo’s Baterbonia, Adili

“First of all, of course, we extend our condolences regarding this incident,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro when asked for Malacañang’s order to investigation agencies.

“The president also wants this—not only in situations like these, but for all Filipinos who find themselves in this kind of situation—there should be an immediate investigation,” she said.

Castro declined to make any comment on the circulating rumors that the training activity was allegedly hazing.

“There is really a need for an immediate investigation here because the result of the so-called training was not good,” she noted.

“Of course, we should not preempt or pre-judge this, so an immediate investigation is really necessary,” she added.

READ: NBI creates task force to probe Ateneo student-athletes’ death

The National Bureau of Investigation has formed a special task force to conduct a thorough investigation into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, including determining whether foul play can be ruled out. /apl