The deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili from the Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball team, who drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora province, were not accidental.
In a press conference on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Major General Robert Alexander Morico II stated that four Ateneo basketball players actually drowned during their team building in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, but two of them were rescued.
"Some of them experienced swallowing sea water, including a foreigner. It is correct to say that the sea was very dangerous and the weather condition at the time was not suitable for non-swimmers," he said.
Since Monday, June 15, the CIDG has interviewed the Ateneo basketball team's coaching staff, players, and former members to get a complete picture of what happened before and after the tragic incident that claimed the lives of two new players.
According to Morico, on the morning of June 8, the players participated in calisthenics and other games on the beach in front of the hotel where they were staying.
After resting, at around 2:30 p.m., the players were taken 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 about the big tide in the area… They say they were walking in the water and stationary jogging to make their feet stronger while in the water," Morico said.
The CIDG director emphasized that their investigation continues to point toward 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.
