Aurora resort owner, staff at NBI amid Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili drowning probe

The owner and the staff of the resort in Dipaculao, Aurora, where the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team held their team building activity, went to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Homicide Division on Thursday afternoon.

According to GMA News’ Marisol Abdurahman, the resort owner and staff were also accompanied by a lawyer as they provided information about the incident, which led to the passing of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

The Aurora Provincial Police earlier said the Ateneo varsity players conducted their team-building activity about 300 meters away from the dry part of the beach, despite reportedly being advised by the resort management to hold the activity in the shallower waters just in front of the establishment due to sea conditions.

Police added the basketball team said they wanted to be left alone despite the advice and precaution from the resort management.

However, the police said there is no foul play involved as the 19-year old Baterbonia reportedly died from asphyxia by drowning based on a post-mortem examination certificate.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday issued a subpoena to the basketball team’s coaches and players as part of the investigation. Likewise, the Department of Labor and Employment subpoenaed Tab Baldwin, the team’s American-New Zealander head coach.

Baterbonia was 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, who hails from Nigeria, contributed quality minutes in the Blue Eagles' UAAP Season 88 campaign despite settling for a 6-8 win-loss record. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News