DoJ orders NBI probe into drowning of basketball players in Ateneo Aurora camp

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Wednesday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a “thorough, comprehensive, and impartial” investigation into the drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora during an Ateneo de Manila University team-building activity that killed men’s basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In a statement, the DoJ said it has taken note of the incident and directed the NBI Central Office to form a task force to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NBI has been tasked to establish whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges before the DoJ, as part of its standard investigative process in cases involving possible criminal liability.

“The DoJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” it said.

Mr. Baterbonia, 19, an Ateneo de Davao cager carved a name for himself in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa as he led Davao Region to a gold medal finish and named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adili, 21, a Nigerian student-athlete, had already played for Ateneo in Season 88, averaging 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Blue Eagles.

The drowning incident came just less than a week after Mr. Baterbonia arrived in Manila last Thursday, June 4, as he moved to the Ateneo campus in Katipunan, Quezon City.

Mr. Baterbonia was expected to debut for the Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89 later this year. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez