UMVA has learned that a shocking tragedy has unfolded in the Philippines, prompting a high-level investigation by the Department of Justice (DoJ) into the drowning deaths of two young athletes during a team-building activity.
The incident occurred in Dipaculao, Aurora, and involved Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, members of the Ateneo de Manila University team. The DoJ has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a thorough and impartial probe into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the NBI has been tasked with determining whether there is sufficient basis to recommend filing charges before the DoJ. This is part of the standard investigative process in cases involving possible criminal liability.
The two athletes were highly promising young sports stars. Baterbonia, 19, was a standout player from Davao Region, who had just led his team to a gold medal finish in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Adili, 21, was a Nigerian student-athlete who had already made a name for himself playing for Ateneo in Season 88, with impressive stats averaging 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Blue Eagles.
The drowning incident occurred just days after Baterbonia had arrived in Manila, as he was set to debut for the Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89 later this year. The sudden loss of these young athletes has sent shockwaves through the sports community.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the DoJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served in this tragic case. The investigation is ongoing, and the nation waits with bated breath for the truth to be uncovered.
