NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
House Wants Probe Into Deaths Of Ateneo Players
FILE
The House of Representatives is seeking an investigation into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, with lawmakers calling for a review of safety protocols and policies governing student-athletes.
Agusan del Sur Representatives Alfel M. Bascug and Eddiebong G. Plaza filed House Resolution No. 1108, urging the appropriate House committee to conduct an inquiry into the deaths of the two players during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The resolution seeks to determine whether existing rules and safety measures were properly implemented and whether stronger safeguards are needed to better protect student-athletes.
According to the measure, the proposed investigation will examine issues involving supervision, emergency preparedness, risk assessment, parental informed consent, and the adequacy of current institutional policies governing sports programs and off-campus activities.
"The deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili underscore the urgent necessity of reviewing existing laws, regulations, and institutional practices governing student-athlete recruitment, welfare, supervision, safety, emergency preparedness, parental informed consent, and risk disclosure," the resolution stated.
Lawmakers said the inquiry could involve officials from national agencies, educational institutions, sports associations, athlete welfare groups, parents, coaches, and safety experts to help identify possible legislative reforms.
The resolution also expressed sympathy to the families of the two players and emphasized the need to strengthen protections for student-athletes nationwide.
Baterbonia, 19, was one of the country's rising basketball prospects after being named Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He was preparing to begin his collegiate career with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89.
Adili, a 21-year-old Nigerian center, had already played for Ateneo in UAAP Season 88, averaging 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in 11 games.
Both players died on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Initial police findings showed that they were swept into deeper waters by a strong current. Authorities have launched a full investigation and urged the public to avoid speculation while the probe continues.
The Philippine Sports Commission has also expressed support for the investigation and announced the formation of a multi-sector panel composed of representatives from the UAAP, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Commission on Higher Education, and National Youth Commission. The group will help establish a "clear, accurate, and comprehensive" understanding of what happened and recommend measures to strengthen athlete safety.
Meanwhile, the Aurora Provincial Police Office said that, based on its initial findings, the incident appeared to be a "purely accidental" tragedy and that investigators have found no indications of foul play, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Agusan del Sur Representatives Alfel M. Bascug and Eddiebong G. Plaza filed House Resolution No. 1108, urging the appropriate House committee to conduct an inquiry into the deaths of the two players during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The resolution seeks to determine whether existing rules and safety measures were properly implemented and whether stronger safeguards are needed to better protect student-athletes.
According to the measure, the proposed investigation will examine issues involving supervision, emergency preparedness, risk assessment, parental informed consent, and the adequacy of current institutional policies governing sports programs and off-campus activities.
"The deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili underscore the urgent necessity of reviewing existing laws, regulations, and institutional practices governing student-athlete recruitment, welfare, supervision, safety, emergency preparedness, parental informed consent, and risk disclosure," the resolution stated.
Lawmakers said the inquiry could involve officials from national agencies, educational institutions, sports associations, athlete welfare groups, parents, coaches, and safety experts to help identify possible legislative reforms.
The resolution also expressed sympathy to the families of the two players and emphasized the need to strengthen protections for student-athletes nationwide.
Baterbonia, 19, was one of the country's rising basketball prospects after being named Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He was preparing to begin his collegiate career with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89.
Adili, a 21-year-old Nigerian center, had already played for Ateneo in UAAP Season 88, averaging 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in 11 games.
Both players died on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Initial police findings showed that they were swept into deeper waters by a strong current. Authorities have launched a full investigation and urged the public to avoid speculation while the probe continues.
The Philippine Sports Commission has also expressed support for the investigation and announced the formation of a multi-sector panel composed of representatives from the UAAP, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Commission on Higher Education, and National Youth Commission. The group will help establish a "clear, accurate, and comprehensive" understanding of what happened and recommend measures to strengthen athlete safety.
Meanwhile, the Aurora Provincial Police Office said that, based on its initial findings, the incident appeared to be a "purely accidental" tragedy and that investigators have found no indications of foul play, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Jun 9, 2026
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