Photo courtesy: Daily Tribune
INITIAL findings from the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) have established that the drowning deaths of two student‑athletes from Ateneo de Manila University cannot be classified as an accident.
This clarification was officially announced by CIDG Director Major General Robert Morico II during a press briefing held at Camp Crame on Wednesday, correcting earlier details regarding the exact location and circumstances surrounding the tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Morico explained that the incident did not take place near the shoreline or in front of the beach resort where the group was staying, but rather in an area located between 300 and 700 meters away from the property.
“The incident did not actually happen in front of the resort. It was about 300 to 700 meters away. The recovery effort was only 300 meters near the resort because they were swept by the current,” he stated, noting that the distance and location are critical factors being examined in the ongoing investigation. When asked directly if the case could still be treated as an accident, Morico replied firmly: “Right now? No, it’s not.”
Previously, the Aurora Provincial Police Office had reported that the tragedy occurred roughly 300 meters from the resort, but the new details from the CIDG reveal a wider gap between the actual site of the incident and the area where the bodies were eventually recovered.
The development marks a significant shift in the inquiry, moving away from the initial assumption of an unfortunate mishap toward a more thorough examination of how and why the students ended up so far from the safe swimming zone, and whether negligence or other factors were involved. Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the full sequence of events leading to their deaths.
