PSC convenes inter-agency panel to look into Ateneo’s tragic camp

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Rene Clert Baterbonia — NBTC

Divine Adili — UAAP

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will get into the bottom of everything with regards to the tragic drowning incident that claimed the lives of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team building in Aurora.

The PSC is just one among the government agencies, sports and public service personalities, including Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. of Agusan del Sur, Mr. Baterbonia’s home province, to call on the truth amid the cloud of uncertainties, as the entire Philippine basketball community cries in mourning for answers.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PSC announced the formation of a multi-stakeholders’ panel with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Commission on Higher Education and the National Youth Commission that will look into the unexpected happening at Dipaculao beach.

It is a fact-finding body in cooperation with the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice tasked to “establish a clear, accurate and comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.”

The PSC will also “examine existing policies, protocols and training practices toward resolutions to strengthen safeguards in athletic training environments.”

Ateneo on Monday afternoon announced the passing of Mr. Baterbonia, 19, and Mr. Adili, 21, due to drowning that shocked the nation but no further details were provided at that point.

INITIAL POLICE FINDINGS
Several speculations rose online, including the recall of the anecdotes on different podcasts by former Ateneo players like Mike Nieto, Anton Asistio, Shaun Ildefonso and SJ Belangel on the annual pre-season boot camp by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Aurora.

It was described as “military-like” and “deadly training” as the police also said that Ateneo had a series of similar team activities in Aurora previously prior to the misfortune.

But whether it has connection or none on the accident, including alleged possible negligence of the team, management or resort owners on an official school business at an out-of-town location, the Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO) on Tuesday cleared that according to its initial findings, it was “purely accident.”

“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. Sa ngayon wala po tayong nakikitang foul play sa aksidente na ito,” said APPO Acting Provincial Director PCol. Percival R. Pineda in an online press conference.

The Police Regional Office 3’s initial probe also detailed that Messrs. Baterbonia and Adili were swimming “when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into the deeper waters.”

Messrs. Baterbonia and Adili, upon a swift recovery by the responders and authorities at around 5:20 p.m., were promptly transported to the nearest medical facility but were declared dead by the attending physician.

Aurora is a world-renowned surfing cradle in North Luzon, boasting huge waves and strong currents for tourism but also poses threats of drowning and other similar incidents, prompting the local government and police to mandate all resort owners to scatter lifeguards along the beaches.

It’s part of a provincial-wide ordinance with the police also assigning tourist units along the coastal areas.

For now, the authorities ask for the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims and wait for the completion of the investigation.

“Sana po ay iwasan na po yung mga pagpapakalat ng inpormasyon na baka ay mali. Bilang tulong na rin po sa pagdalamhati ng pamilya, iwasan na po natin ito para po na rin sa kanilang katahimikan,” added Mr. Pineda.

BATERBONIA’S FAMILY RUSHES TO MANILA, SEARCHES FOR EXPLANATION
With the investigation from different agencies now in full swing, among those in hunt for clear answers is Mr. Baterbonia’s mother, Rovelyn, who arrived on Tuesday from Agusan to Manila to retrieve the body of his demised son.

“When it comes to basketball, we’re supportive of Bobet (Baterbonia) because this is our way out of poverty. But we were not told that upon his arrival, there will be training like this,” said Rovelyn from a translated Bisaya statement during a visit to Mr. Cane, who promised to provide all the necessary support to the Baterbonia family. “Had we known, we wouldn’t have allowed him and we didn’t really understand the nature of that (team building).”

“After this, the investigation surrounding his death will follow. We will demand a proper explanation from ADMU as to what is the real reason why the death of two of their recruits happened during the supposed team building,” said Mr. Cane, who just hosted the grand homecoming of Mr. Baterbonia, who’s from the Talacogon town, during the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur last week.

Mr. Baterbonia, the 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP who led the Davao Region to its 1^st national title, just arrived in Manila last week filled with hopes and dreams.

The versatile big man was even escorted by his family, friends and high school coaches to the airport. Mr. Baterbonia, who even posted online his arrival in Ateneo campus, was seen behind the bench of the Ateneo Blue Eagles last Saturday in its 72-52 debut win over Adamson University in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

PH BASKETBALL COMMUNITY MOURNS AND SEEKS ANSWERS
Also among those calling for truth and justice were PBA legend and former PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez as well as Gilas Pilipinas Program Director and Team Manager Alfrancis Chua, who also serves as PBA vice-chairman and Barangay Ginebra team governor.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the UAAP, Ateneo de Davao, Department of Education Davao, main, current and former UAAP and Ateneo players, PBA stars, and legends and officials have also joined the country in mourning for the two promising student-athletes.

“We trust that the circumstances of this tragedy will be examined fully, and that whatever is found will be addressed with honesty and care for the families,” said Ateneo de Davao.

Ateneo de Davao will hold a mass for Messrs. Baterbonia and Adili on Friday at the Senior High School Chapel in Davao City. — John Bryan Ulanday