CCTV videos in Ateneo's Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili fatal drowning retrieved —police

Authorities have retrieved CCTV footage related to the fatal drowning of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the Aurora Provincial Police Office said Wednesday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Aurora Police spokesperson Police Major Lorena Bautista said the videos were taken from the resort, rescuers, and the local disaster response office.

“We already retrieved the CCTV footage from the rescuers and DRRMO as well as the resort. At ito po ay (And these are) currently undergoing forensic examination,” she said.

Based on initial findings, police maintained that the case is being treated as an accidental drowning with no indication of foul play.

Responders from the Dipaculao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, as well as a resort lifeguard said the victims were engaged in a sea-based activity when they were suddenly swept away by a strong rip current toward deeper waters.

Authorities said no weights were found attached to the victims’ bodies and no visible injuries suggesting violence were observed.

According to Bautista, the weather conditions were normal at the time.

The incident occurred around 2:40 p.m. Monday. Baterbonia was recovered at 3:35 p.m. while Adili at 3:45 p.m.

Both were brought to Aurora Memorial Hospital but efforts to revive them were unsuccessful.

While the case remains classified as an accident, investigators said they are still examining possible negligence on the part of the resort management and other involved parties.

“Kaya yung ating different law enforcement agencies are working together para po makita kung mayroon pong negligence po itong mga involved po na mga establishment and the school administration,” Bautista said.

(That's why our different law enforcement agencies are working together to see if there is any negligence on the part of these involved establishments and the school administration.)

—JMB, GMA News