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CHED Orders Ateneo To Explain After Fatal Student-Athlete Drowning
FILE
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to Ateneo de Manila University in connection with the drowning deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a school-sanctioned team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, 2026.
Based on earlier reports, the victims—members of the university’s men’s basketball program—drowned after being swept by strong coastal currents while participating in an off-campus activity. Initial accounts indicated that a sudden rip current pulled the students into deeper waters, leading to a failed rescue attempt.
CHED said its National Capital Region office had already required Ateneo on June 9 to submit an incident report and compliance documents related to the activity, including requirements under CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63 (2017) governing off-campus student activities.
However, the commission said the university did not immediately comply despite follow-ups, prompting CHED to issue the formal Show Cause Order on June 16.
“CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed,” the agency said.
Under the order, Ateneo is required to submit a written explanation under oath within 10 days of receipt. The university must explain why it should not face possible sanctions for alleged violations of off-campus activity safety rules, including CHED regulations and the principle of *in loco parentis*, which assigns schools a duty of care over students during official activities.
CHED also cited compliance requirements under CMO No. 6 (2026) and related provisions of Republic Act No. 11053 and its implementing rules, which reinforce safety standards for student programs conducted outside campus.
The incident has drawn concern from education and sports authorities, with calls to review safety protocols for school-sanctioned training and team-building activities, particularly those held in high-risk environments such as coastal areas.
CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis reiterated that higher education institutions are expected to fully cooperate in investigations involving student welfare and safety.
The commission urged the public to avoid speculation while administrative proceedings are ongoing.
Ateneo has 10 days from receipt of the order to submit its formal response, after which CHED will determine the next steps, including possible sanctions depending on its findings
Based on earlier reports, the victims—members of the university’s men’s basketball program—drowned after being swept by strong coastal currents while participating in an off-campus activity. Initial accounts indicated that a sudden rip current pulled the students into deeper waters, leading to a failed rescue attempt.
CHED said its National Capital Region office had already required Ateneo on June 9 to submit an incident report and compliance documents related to the activity, including requirements under CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63 (2017) governing off-campus student activities.
However, the commission said the university did not immediately comply despite follow-ups, prompting CHED to issue the formal Show Cause Order on June 16.
“CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed,” the agency said.
Under the order, Ateneo is required to submit a written explanation under oath within 10 days of receipt. The university must explain why it should not face possible sanctions for alleged violations of off-campus activity safety rules, including CHED regulations and the principle of *in loco parentis*, which assigns schools a duty of care over students during official activities.
CHED also cited compliance requirements under CMO No. 6 (2026) and related provisions of Republic Act No. 11053 and its implementing rules, which reinforce safety standards for student programs conducted outside campus.
The incident has drawn concern from education and sports authorities, with calls to review safety protocols for school-sanctioned training and team-building activities, particularly those held in high-risk environments such as coastal areas.
CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis reiterated that higher education institutions are expected to fully cooperate in investigations involving student welfare and safety.
The commission urged the public to avoid speculation while administrative proceedings are ongoing.
Ateneo has 10 days from receipt of the order to submit its formal response, after which CHED will determine the next steps, including possible sanctions depending on its findings
Jun 23, 2026
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