The Aurora Provincial Police Office confirmed that the cause of death for Ateneo student-athlete Rene Baterbonia was asphyxia by drowning following a post-mortem examination.
The Aurora Provincial Police Office officially reported that Ateneo student-athlete Rene Baterbonia died due to asphyxia by drowning, as confirmed by a post-mortem examination certificate. Police Colonel Percival Pineda stated during a virtual briefing that the report showed no signs of bruising on Baterbonia’s body, which suggests no physical trauma prior to death. Authorities noted that statements from the resort lifeguard and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) personnel found no weights or foreign objects attached to the victims’ bodies.
Baterbonia and fellow Ateneo student Divine Adili tragically drowned during a training exercise at a beach resort in Aurora province. The incident reportedly occurred around 2:30 p.m. when the athletes encountered strong waves and currents while walking in the seawater. Despite immediate search and rescue operations, the victims were located after about 30 to 40 minutes.
Investigation efforts are ongoing, with officials currently ruling out foul play. However, the possibility of negligence or liability involving the coaching staff, beach resort, and school administration has yet to be determined. The police remarked that the beach resort management had advised the team about sea conditions and safe areas. Still, the team insisted on proceeding without interference, and their activities were not coordinated with the local government unit.
Police Colonel Allen Rae Co from the PNP Public Information Office affirmed there will be no cover-up in the investigation, assuring full transparency once findings are completed. The inquiry aims to clarify any regulatory breaches or lapses in protocol related to the tragedy involving these overseas Filipino student-athletes.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/990957/rene-baterbonia-ateneo-asphyxia-by-drowning-cause-of-death/story/