Screengrab from PNP Aurora Police Provincial Office

The Aurora Police Provincial Office has described the drowning incident that claimed the lives of Ateneo de Manila University recruits Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili as a tragic accident, saying investigators have found no indication of foul play so far.

Speaking on Tuesday, Aurora PPO Acting Provincial Director PCol. Percival Pineda said authorities based their initial assessment on statements gathered from individuals who were with the victims during the incident in Dipaculao, Aurora.

According to Pineda, the information collected points to an unforeseen accident rather than any intentional act.

"So, base po sa ating nakuhang salaysay ng mga kasama niya, ito pong insidente na ito ay talaga pong purely accident. So natural accident po yung pangyayari, hindi po talaga inaasahan, at wala po tayong, sa ngayon wala po tayong nakikitang foul play sa aksidente na ito," said Aurora PPO Acting Provincial Director PCol. Percival Pineda.

The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili occurred during a team-building activity, an incident that has drawn public attention and prompted calls from various sectors for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

While police have stated that no foul play has been detected at this stage of the investigation, authorities continue to gather information as part of their ongoing inquiry into the incident.

The deaths of the two young athletes have sparked an outpouring of grief from the Ateneo community, sports supporters, and local officials, with many continuing to seek answers about the events leading up to the drowning.