CHED: Truth, accountability without exception in Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili deaths

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday said it will pursue truth and accountability for the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building exercise in Dipaculao, Aurora.

“The safety and welfare of students must never be compromised. The Commission will pursue the truth without exception, ensure that accountability is imposed where warranted, and require corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies,” CHED said in a statement.

“No institution, official, or individual responsible for student welfare is exempt from accountability,” it added.

The CHED issued the statement amid the probe into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, who drowned during an off-season team activity on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Authorities later said Baterbonia died of asphyxia by drowning.

Following the tragedy, CHED said it immediately launched fact-finding and accountability measures.

“On 09 June 2026, CHED National Capital Region immediately mandated ADMU to submit a comprehensive incident report and called for a meeting with university officials. Based on information provided by the ADMU Crisis Management Team, the incident occurred during an off-season team-building and training camp involving twenty-four student-athletes and seven adult supervisors composed of coaches and staff members of the ADMU Men's Basketball Team,” it said.

“During the meeting, ADMU presented its immediate institutional response while CHED established the framework for administrative review and directed the submission of additional documents and information necessary for a complete assessment of the incident.”

CHED also participated in the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Sports Stakeholders’ Panel.

“This joint effort aims to ensure a comprehensive review of policies and practices governing athletic training, team activities, and student-athlete welfare,” it said. “In the stakeholders’ panel, the PSC likewise recognized CHED’s swift response to the incident and its commitment to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of student-athletes.”

“CHED remains committed to ensuring that higher education institutions uphold the highest standards of care, supervision, and responsibility expected of them in protecting the lives and well-being of their students,” it added.

In a statement following the incident, Ateneo said it is providing support to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, as well as their teammates.

Baterbonia is a standout from the recent Palarong Pambansa and was an incoming rookie for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the upcoming UAAP Season 89.

Meanwhile, Adili had quality minutes in the UAAP Season 88 despite the Blue Eagles settling for a 6-8 record.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) also directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to form a task force to investigate the deaths of the two student-athletes.

The NBI will determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges.

The Baterbonias’ lawyers said they will request the DOJ to issue an immigration lookout bulletin against the team’s head coach, Tab Baldwin.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon said the request will be sent on Wednesday night or Thursday.

Baterbonia’s remains will be brought to Agusan del Sur on Thursday evening, while Adili’s remains will be flown home to Nigeria. — JMA, GMA News