The owner and staff of the resort where the Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball team held a team-building activity have provided information to the National Bureau of Investigation amid a drowning probe involving two players.
Authorities from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Homicide Division interviewed the resort owner and staff in Dipaculao, Aurora, following the drowning incident that resulted in the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. The Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team had conducted a team-building exercise at the resort. Reports indicate that despite the resort management’s advice to hold activities in shallower waters due to sea conditions, the team ventured about 300 meters from the dry beach area, choosing to be left alone. The Aurora Provincial Police confirmed no foul play was detected; the cause of death for 19-year-old Baterbonia was asphyxia due to drowning, as stated in the post-mortem report. The Department of the Interior and Local Government has subpoenaed coaches and players involved, and similarly, the Department of Labor and Employment has issued a subpoena to head coach Tab Baldwin. Baterbonia was a promising young athlete scheduled to join the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the upcoming UAAP Season 89, and Adili, originally from Nigeria, played actively during UAAP Season 88.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/991120/ateneo-drowning-nbi-aurora-resort-owner/story/