POLICE Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) has officially opened an investigation into the tragic drowning of Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team members Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, which occurred on Monday during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In an official statement, the regional police office assured the public that authorities are committed to carrying out a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the incident, and will coordinate closely with all relevant agencies to ensure every detail is properly documented and addressed.
According to initial findings shared by the police, the two student‑athletes were swimming in the area when they were unexpectedly swept away by a strong current that pulled them into deeper waters. Personnel from the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station immediately responded upon receiving reports of the emergency and worked with partner agencies to render aid and conduct retrieval efforts. Despite being rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent care, both victims were eventually declared dead by the attending physician.
PRO 3 has appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information or engaging in speculation while the probe is ongoing, asking instead to allow investigators to complete their work objectively and thoroughly.
“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and allow the authorities to complete the investigation,” the statement read. Updates will be released once more facts are established, as the force works to determine exactly what happened and whether any safety protocols were overlooked or violated during the activity.
