Police probing Ateneo's Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili fatal drowning

The Police Region Office 3 (PRO 3) has launched an investigation into the fatal drowning on Monday of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora.

In a statement on Monday, PRO 3 said the police “will continue to diligently perform its mandate, conduct a thorough investigation, and coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure that all aspects of the incident are properly addressed.”

“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and allow the authorities to complete the investigation.”

According to the police, the incident happened on Monday.

“Initial findings indicate that the victims were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters," PRO 3 earlier said.

Citing initial reports, PRO 3 said the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station personnel responded as they received information about the incident and coordinated with concerned agencies to provide the necessary assistance.

The two student-athletes were transported to a medical facility but they were later declared dead by the attending physician.

“During this difficult time, PRO 3 stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy,” PRO 3 said .

Following the incident, the police reminded beachgoers and tourists to observe safety advisories and exercise extra caution when engaging in water activities amid possible strong currents.

The Philippine sports community mourned the loss of incoming Ateneo de Manila University rookie Baterbonia and foreign student athlete Adili.

According to Ateneo, the incident happened during a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Baterbonia, a former Palarong Pambansa champion and MVP with Ateneo de Davao, was set to start his collegiate journey with the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89.

The 19-year-old, 6-foot-4 Baterbonia was coming off a runner-up finish with the Davao Region team in the recently concluded 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, where they fell to Region IV-A in the finals and missed out on a second straight championship.

He was also seen watching Ateneo's recent game against Adamson University in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Saturday.

READ: Who was Rene Baterbonia? Rising basketball star who passed in drowning incident

The 21-year-old Adili, meanwhile, was Ateneo's reinforcement in Season 88, where the Blue Eagles finished with a 6-8 card.

READ: Who was Divine Adili? Ateneo FSA who passed in drowning incident

Ateneo de Manila University rookie Kieffer Alas said the Blue Eagles are dedicating their campaign in the upcoming UAAP Season 89 to their late teammates Baterbonia and Adili.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) also mourned the passing of Baterbonia and Adili.

“The UAAP mourns the passing of Ateneo Blue Eagles Men’s Basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili...Rest in Peace, Rene and Divine,” UAAP said in a statement.

“As the National Sports Association for basketball, the SBP has been in communication with the University's basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed, with particular attention given to those most affected by this tragic incident,” the SBP said.

“During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the families, teammates, coaches, friends, and the entire Ateneo community. We join them in mourning this heartbreaking loss and offer our prayers for strength, comfort, and healing.” —KG, GMA News