The cause of death of Ateneo student-athlete Rene Baterbonia was asphyxia by drowning, reported the Aurora Provincial Police Office in a PNP-hosted press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Wednesday.

According to a report by Joviland Rita of GMA News Online, the development on Baterbonia’s cause of death was confirmed by Aurora police chief Police Colonel Percival Pineda based on the certificate of post-mortem examination in police possession. 

“Base po sa hawak namin na certificate of post-mortem examination ay lumalabas po na asphyxia by drowning yung rason,” said Pineda, who attended the press briefing virtually via Zoom.

He also clarified that no bruises were found on Baterbonia’s body as per the autopsy report. 

Pineda added that there were no weights or foreign objects attached to the victims’ remains when they were brought back to the shore, as reported by the resort lifeguard and attending personnel of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Investigations from lead agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are already underway. 

Fact-finding panels from concerned organizational stakeholders like the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP), and the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP), have also convened.