MANILA, Philippines – “Natural accident po talaga ang nangyari, at sa ngayon, wala po tayong nakikitang foul play,” Aurora police chief Col. Percival Pineda said Tuesday after an initial investigation into the drowning deaths of Ateneo players Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
The statement came as authorities sought to address public speculation following the tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The incident occurred at around 2:40 p.m. on Monday during a team-building activity of the Ateneo men's basketball program.
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Around 20 players, coaches, and staff members were participating in the activity.
“Based po sa salaysay ng ating mga nakausap, meron po silang activity na kung saan lumakad po ang mga players sa tabing dagat,” Pineda explained.
Witnesses told investigators that the group was walking along the shoreline when the situation suddenly turned dangerous.
“Nasa hanggang hita po ang lalim ng tubig, at bigla na lang po silang napunta sa malalim na parte,” Pineda said.
Authorities said the athletes unknowingly reached a deeper section of the sea.
“Yung part po ng nilalakaran nila ay may malalim na bahagi, at doon nga po, bigla silang tinangay ng current papunta sa mas malalim na bahagi ng dagat,” he added.
The strong current quickly pulled some members of the group away from the safer area.
“May mga kasama po sila na tumulong, at meron din pong lifeguard, pero sa kasamaang palad, nasawi nga po ang dalawa,” Pineda said.
Teammates and lifeguards immediately responded, but rescue efforts were unsuccessful.
Adili and Baterbonia were brought to Aurora Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment.
Both athletes were later declared dead on arrival.
Unverified claims circulated online following the tragedy, prompting authorities to appeal for caution.
“Iwasan na po natin yung kung anu-anong kumakalat na impormasyon,” Pineda said.
“Baka po mali ito. Bilang tulong na rin po sa pagdadalamhati ng pamilya, iwasan na po natin ito para po sa kanilang katahimikan,” he added.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered the preparation of a report through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are seeking a review of safety standards in school-sponsored athletic activities.
For Aurora police, however, the evidence gathered so far points to a tragic accident that claimed the lives of Adili, 21, and Baterbonia, 19.
Their deaths have left the Ateneo community and Philippine basketball mourning the loss of two promising young athletes.
— The Summit Express
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