The deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili of the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ basketball team due to drowning during a team-building activity in Aurora province was “not an accident,” according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
In a press conference on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, CIDG Director Major General Robert Alexander Morico II said that four players of the Ateneo basketball team actually drowned during their team building in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, but two of them survived.
“Some of them are experienced enough to drink water, including a foreigner. It is correct to say that the sea was very dangerous and the weather condition during the time is not suitable for non-swimmers,” he said.
Since Monday, June 15, the CIDG has been interviewing Ateneo basketball team’s coaching staff, players and former members to understand what transpired before and after the tragic incident, which led to the death of two neophytes.
Morico said that on the morning of June 8, the players participated in calisthenics and other games by the beach in front of the hotel where they were staying. After resting in the afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., the players were brought around 700 meters away from the resort for a water activity.
“They were 700 meters away. They were aware that the current was strong prior to leaving for Aurora. They were informed of the big tide in that area… They say they were walking in the water and doing stationary jogging to make their feet stronger while in the water,” said Morico.
The CIDG director maintained that the direction of their investigation continues to point to either homicide or hazing. Morico said the CIDG will issue a second subpoena to coach Tab Baldwin and other coaching staff as part of their investigation.
Morico urged Baldwin to bring the drone footage from during the incident. “Man up. Be man enough to face the investigation in the interest of justice and equity for the two players, whom you call your brothers. If you're talking about the battle cry of BEBOB (Blue Eagles, Band of Brothers), don't turn your back. Help us also. Help the family attain justice,” he said.
He said they will also collaborate with the National Bureau of Investigation, which is conducting its own investigation on the incident.
