Divine Adili's family requested an autopsy — Nigerian Embassy

The family of Nigerian basketball player Chukwuemeka Divine Adili has requested an autopsy before his remains are repatriated, the embassy of Nigeria in Manila said in a statement.

Adili, a Nigerian who played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles' men's basketball team in the UAAP, and Filipino rookie Rene Baterbonia drowned in the middle of a team-building off a beach in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday.

"The Embassy has been in direct contact with the family of the deceased, Ateneo de Manila University, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant authorities," the embassy said.

"The family has requested that an autopsy be conducted before arrangements for the repatriation of Mr. Adili's remains to Nigeria are finalized. The Embassy is providing all necessary consular assistance and support in this regard," it added.

Adili was 21 while Baterbonia was 19.

The Nigerian was a promising rookie big man for Ateneo de Manila in the last UAAP Season 88.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora.

In a statement, the DOJ said the NBI would determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges.

“The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Central Office has been instructed to create a task force to conduct a thorough, comprehensive, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the DOJ said.

“The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” it added.

Police investigators in Aurora said they have not seen any indication of foul play based on the affidavits of those who provided first aid to Rene Baterbonia.

“Base sa affidavit ng lifeguard ay walang napansin na pabigat sa paa, kamay o katawan ng player, so yun po ang sinabi ng lifeguard. Sabi naman ng MDRRMO ng taga-Dipaculao, walang anumang pasa na siya aming bigyan ng paunang lunas,” said Pineda.

(Based on the lifeguard's affidavit, he did not notice any weights attached to the player's feet, hands, or body. That was the lifeguard's statement. Meanwhile, personnel from the MDRRMO of Dipaculao said they observed no bruises on him when first aid was administered.)

The police said the players held their team-building activity about 300 meters away from the beach, despite reportedly being advised by the resort management to hold the activity in the waters just in front of the establishment.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the Aurora Police said the basketball team wanted to be left alone despite advice from the resort management.

“Noong unang dating po nila, nag-uusap sila na ito yung kondisyon. Sa tapat ng resort ay safe diyan. Mababaw diyan. Alam natin ang sitwasyon ng dagat diyan. Pero gaya po ng sinabi ko kanina, ’yun pong team ay humingi po sila na huwag silang pakialaman sa gagawin nilang activity,” said Aurora Provincial Police acting director Police Colonel Percival Pineda.

(When they first arrived, they were informed that the area directly in front of the resort was safe and shallow. We know the sea conditions there. However, as I mentioned earlier, the team requested that they not be disturbed or interfered with during their activity.) —BAP/NB, GMA News