What We Know So Far About the Ateneo Drowning Incident

Here’s what has transpired so far since Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili’s untimely passing.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated regularly. Last update: June 11, 6:52 p.m.

The Philippine sports community continues to mourn the passing of Ateneo Blue Eagles’ rising stars Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who tragically lost their lives last June 8, 2026.

And as more developments come to light regarding the offseason accident, here’s what we know so far.

What Happened

On June 8, Ateneo confirmed the passing of Adili and Baterbonia due to a “drowning incident” in the Blue Eagles’ training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora. 

“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time.” 

On June 9, Baterbonia and Adili’s remains were transferred from Aurora Memorial Hospital to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City. Baterbonia’s parents and brother also arrived on the same day, with the parents requesting for an autopsy. 

As of June 10, Baterbonia’s wake is ongoing at Arlington, with former coaches and teammates paying their respects. Coach Tab Baldwin was reportedly not among the visitors. Adili’s family, meanwhile, has requested for his remains to be returned to Nigeria “in keeping with family and cultural practices that are important to them.”

What’s Been Said

Shortly after the news broke last June 8, the Police Regional Office 3 reported that the two were swimming when they were reportedly caught by a strong current and pulled into deeper waters. They were rescued and rushed to a medical facility but were later declared dead. Authorities have initially ruled out foul play, while investigations continue.

In response, on June 9 the Philippine Sports Commission formed a multi-stakeholder panel to review the incident, examine safety protocols in athletic training environments, and recommend measures to better protect athletes, including those in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. The PSC, through Chairman Patrick Gregorio, also pledged financial assistance to the families of Adili and Baterbonia amounting to P250,000 each.

During interviews with the media on June 10, Rene Baterbona’s mother, Rovelyn, expressed grief and frustration as she sought answers regarding the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. She questioned why the activity took place in open water and why her son was not rescued in time.

“Gusto ko malaman ang katotohanan,” Rovelyn said.

She also called for full investigation into the incident and accountability from those responsible for organizing the camp.

“Hindi ko hahayaan na mabaon na lang sa limot ang nangyari sa anak ko.”

In an interview with the media on June 10, Aurora police chief Percival Pineda said the team was around 300 meters away from their resort when the incident happened and that they requested to be left alone.

“‘Yung team ay…humingi silang huwag silang pakialaman. Sarado ‘yung activity.”

On June 11, Ateneo released its initial findings, revealing that the team was engaged in a conditioning exercise near the shoreline by the time of the tragedy.

“Based on what we have gathered from those present, on Monday, 8 June 2026, the team was engaged in a conditioning exercise in knee-deep water near the shoreline when they were suddenly engulfed by massive waves and a powerful rip current,” their latest statement read.

What Happens Next

As of June 10, several investigations remain ongoing. Authorities are expected to continue gathering witness statements and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Aside from the Philippine Sports Commission, the Department of Justice has ordered an investigation through the National Bureau of Investigation, which is expected to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine whether any negligence or violations contributed to the deaths.

Authorities in Aurora also continue to conduct their own inquiry, while the results of the autopsy requested by Rene Baterbonia’s family may provide additional information about the circumstances of his death.

Additionally, Pinoy Workers Partylist Rep. Karl Josef Legazpi has filed a resolution seeking a Congressional inquiry into the deaths of Adili and Baterbonia.

“The incident highlights the need to examine whether existing laws, regulations, institutional policies, and industry practices provide sufficient safeguards for student-athletes participating in athletic camps, team-building exercises, outdoor activities, and other programs that may expose participants to elevated risks,” the resolution read.

On June 11, 2026, Ateneo de Manila University announced that a wake mass for Baterbonia would be held that evening at Arlington Memorial Chapels, before his remains would be brought home to Agusan del Sur via Davao on June 12. Meanwhile, the family of Divine Adili requested that an autopsy be conducted before his remains are repatriated to Nigeria.

Also on June 11, DOLE announced that it has issued a subpoena against Baldwin, with acting secretary Francis Tolentino requesting for the coach’s presence by Monday, June 15.

“No foreign national working in this country is above the law, regardless of their status, reputation, or the institution they represent. Coach Baldwin is employed in the Philippines and he is subject to Philippine labor laws,” Tolentino said in a press conference.”

“DOLE is simply doing its job — verifying that he holds a valid and current Alien Employment Permit as required under Article 40 of the Labor Code. If he is compliant, then there is nothing to fear. If he is not, then this Department will act accordingly. This is not about persecution. This is about the rule of law.”

Baldwin and longtime team manager Epok Quimpo have been told to go on leave to “preserve total integrity, independence, and fairness” of the university’s fact-finding inquiry.

Additionally, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that subpoenas had been issued to the coaches and players present during the training activity as part of ongoing fact-finding efforts. According to the agency, investigators will also examine possible violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, as authorities continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Also on June 11, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has identified more than three persons of interest in the incident, including school authorities, according to CIDG Director MGen. Robert Morico II. Morico said investigators are working to secure their participation in the probe as authorities continue efforts to establish accountability and ensure justice.

More on that day, Baldwin joined members of the Ateneo community at a candle-lighting vigil held at the Zen Garden on June 11 in honor of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili. The gathering marked Baldwin’s first public appearance since the incident.

Banner images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.