Dipaculao LGU closes resort temporarily after deaths of Baterbonia, Adili

The local government of Dipaculao in Aurora province on Friday ordered the temporary closure of the resort where the Ateneo activity was held following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

According to the LGU, authorities found that the resort failed to comply with Sangguniang Bayan Ordinance No. 2025-12 or “An Ordinance Promoting Safety in Seashores and Other Bodies of Water, Including Tourist Destinations, within the Jurisdiction of the Municipality of Dipaculao, Aurora.”

“Ang pagpapatupad ng nabanggit na Temporary Closure Order ay bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap ng Pamahalaang Bayan na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng publiko at ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng mga umiiral na batas at ordinansa sa mga establisyimentong may kaugnayan sa turismo at mga aktibidad sa mga anyong-tubig,” it said in a statement.

(The implementation of the said Temporary Closure Order is part of the Municipal Government’s continuing efforts to ensure public safety and the strict enforcement of existing laws and ordinances governing tourism-related establishments and activities in bodies of water.)

Meanwhile, the LGU said it is in continuous coordination with concerned agencies to ensure full compliance with safety standards and to prevent similar incidents.

“Nagpapaabot ng taos-pusong pakikiramay ang Pamahalaang Bayan ng Dipaculao sa mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay ng mga nasawi sa naturang trahedya,” it said.

(The Local Government of Dipaculao extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.)

On Thursday, the resort’s owners and staff went to the National Bureau of Investigation to provide information about the incident.

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.

The police said that Baterbonia’s cause of death was asphyxia by drowning based on a post-mortem examination certificate. — BAP, GMA News