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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Orders Probe Into Ateneo Athletes' Deaths
Photo credit: Bongbong Marcos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants authorities to thoroughly investigate the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) student-athletes who drowned during a team activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The call for an investigation comes as questions continue to circulate online about the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 19-year-old Rene Clert Baterbonia and 21-year-old Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili.
According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the President wants authorities to establish the facts behind what happened and ensure that the matter is properly examined.
“Of course, nakikiramay po tayo sa pangyayaring ito at ang nais din po ng Pangulo, hindi lamang po ‘to sa sitwasyon na ganito pero sa lahat po ng mga Pilipino na napupunta sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon – dapat pong agaran ang pag-iimbestiga,” she said in a press briefing on Thursday.
Castro emphasized the need for an immediate investigation, noting that authorities should avoid making premature conclusions while gathering all the facts.
“Kailangan po talaga ng agarang pag-iimbestiga rito dahil hindi po naging maganda ang naging resulta ng sinasabing training. Of course, hindi po natin kailangang i-preempt or mag-pre-judge dito so kailangan po talaga ng agarang imbestigasyon,” she added.
The two Ateneo basketball players died on Monday during what was reported to be a team-building activity in Aurora province.
Amid widespread discussion and speculation on social media, Castro said a thorough investigation is necessary to determine exactly what transpired during the activity.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission has organized a multi-stakeholder panel to help establish a complete account of the incident and assess existing safety protocols for athletes undergoing training.
Separate investigations are also being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The call for an investigation comes as questions continue to circulate online about the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 19-year-old Rene Clert Baterbonia and 21-year-old Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili.
According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the President wants authorities to establish the facts behind what happened and ensure that the matter is properly examined.
“Of course, nakikiramay po tayo sa pangyayaring ito at ang nais din po ng Pangulo, hindi lamang po ‘to sa sitwasyon na ganito pero sa lahat po ng mga Pilipino na napupunta sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon – dapat pong agaran ang pag-iimbestiga,” she said in a press briefing on Thursday.
Castro emphasized the need for an immediate investigation, noting that authorities should avoid making premature conclusions while gathering all the facts.
“Kailangan po talaga ng agarang pag-iimbestiga rito dahil hindi po naging maganda ang naging resulta ng sinasabing training. Of course, hindi po natin kailangang i-preempt or mag-pre-judge dito so kailangan po talaga ng agarang imbestigasyon,” she added.
The two Ateneo basketball players died on Monday during what was reported to be a team-building activity in Aurora province.
Amid widespread discussion and speculation on social media, Castro said a thorough investigation is necessary to determine exactly what transpired during the activity.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission has organized a multi-stakeholder panel to help establish a complete account of the incident and assess existing safety protocols for athletes undergoing training.
Separate investigations are also being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Jun 11, 2026
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