NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
CIDG: Ateneo Players' Deaths Were No Accident
Screengrab from PTV
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has doubled down on its position that the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in Aurora were not the result of an accident, as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the agency's initial findings point to serious concerns regarding the conditions during the activity that led to the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
“HINDI AKSIDENTE.”
Morico cited the condition of the sea at the time of the incident, saying participants should not have been sent into the water under such circumstances.
“Majority of them are in the waters, about 700 meters away. Ang makikita doon is the condition of the sea during that time. You won't send somebody doon on that condition,” ayon kay CIDG director PMGen. Robert Morico II.
The two Ateneo players died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, an incident that has triggered a deeper investigation by authorities and sparked calls for accountability from various sectors.
As the investigation progresses, the CIDG is also urging Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin to cooperate and provide his account of what happened.
According to Morico, Baldwin has been subpoenaed several times to appear before investigators and give a statement related to the incident.
“饾棤饾棶饾椈 饾槀饾椊.”
The CIDG chief issued the challenge while emphasizing the importance of hearing from key individuals who may have knowledge of the events leading up to the deaths.
Authorities have not yet released their final findings, but investigators continue to gather testimonies and evidence as they explore possible criminal liabilities connected to the incident.
For now, the CIDG remains firm in its position that the tragedy was not merely an accident and that the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili warrant a full and thorough investigation.
CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the agency's initial findings point to serious concerns regarding the conditions during the activity that led to the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
“HINDI AKSIDENTE.”
Morico cited the condition of the sea at the time of the incident, saying participants should not have been sent into the water under such circumstances.
“Majority of them are in the waters, about 700 meters away. Ang makikita doon is the condition of the sea during that time. You won't send somebody doon on that condition,” ayon kay CIDG director PMGen. Robert Morico II.
The two Ateneo players died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, an incident that has triggered a deeper investigation by authorities and sparked calls for accountability from various sectors.
As the investigation progresses, the CIDG is also urging Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin to cooperate and provide his account of what happened.
According to Morico, Baldwin has been subpoenaed several times to appear before investigators and give a statement related to the incident.
“饾棤饾棶饾椈 饾槀饾椊.”
The CIDG chief issued the challenge while emphasizing the importance of hearing from key individuals who may have knowledge of the events leading up to the deaths.
Authorities have not yet released their final findings, but investigators continue to gather testimonies and evidence as they explore possible criminal liabilities connected to the incident.
For now, the CIDG remains firm in its position that the tragedy was not merely an accident and that the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili warrant a full and thorough investigation.
Jun 17, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
