DILG: Ateneo coaches, players subpoenaed for Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili drowning probe

Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball coaches and players have been subpoenaed as part of the investigation into the drowning of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Thursday.

"Subpoenas have been issued to the coaches and players present during the activity as part of fact-finding efforts, including the examination of possible violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018," the DILG said in a statement.

"The DILG emphasizes: all concerned individuals are expected to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities. Due process will be strictly observed, and accountability will be enforced wherever the facts lead," it added.

According to the DILG, the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"We urge the public to refrain from speculation and to allow the proper authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, out of respect for the grieving families and for the truth that must be established," the department said.

Barangay, hotel staff summoned, too

Aside from the Ateneo coaching staff and athletes, the CIDG said it has also summoned the barangay officials in Aurora, hotel staff, and the team's bus driver over the incident.

PNP-CIDG director Major General Robert Alexander Morico II said those who are present during the drowning will be called to establish if there is a criminal liability into the deaths of the two athletes.

"Yes, including the resort, the local government, all of them are being investigated para ma-find out ang circumstances," Morico said in a press briefing, when asked if all coaching staff will be called.

(Yes, including the resort, the local government, all of them are being investigated so we can find out the circumstances.)

They are all expected to appear on Monday, June 15.

"We're are tying to establish if the school authorities have prepared for the safety and medical needs of the athletes," Morico said.

"(We're also looking into) the contributing factor which resulted to the death of the two victims," he added.

Persons of interest

Morico said persons of interest have been identified in relation to the case, but declined to confirm how many. Instead, he said the PNP-CIDG is coordinating with about 20 resource persons.

Meanwhile, the DILG expressed condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, as well as to the Ateneo de Manila University community.

"The loss of two young student-athletes is a tragedy that the nation shares," the DILG said.

Baterbonia and Adili died due to drowning during a team building activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday said its probe will focus on possible "criminal negligence" in the deaths of two student-athletes.

According to the Aurora Police Provincial Office, there was no indication of foul play in the incident based on its initial investigation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has summoned Ateneo men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin, an American-Kiwi, to verify if he holds a valid alien employment permit as required under Article 40 of the Labor Code.

Baldwin was also directed to submit any documentation showing compliance to DOLE's reporting requirement and a written explanation on the circumstances surrounding the June 8, 2026 team-building exercises, including the nature of the activity, supervision arrangements, and safety protocols observed.

Baldwin has been with the Ateneo Blue Eagles program since 2016. He first arrived in the Philippines in 2013 to help the Gilas Pilipinas national team. — VDV, GMA News