UMVA has learned that a tragic drowning incident has claimed the lives of two promising young athletes, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, during a team building activity in Aurora, leaving the Philippine basketball community in shock and mourning.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for truth, with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) vowing to get to the bottom of the tragedy and establish a clear understanding of the events that transpired.
A multi-stakeholder panel has been formed to investigate the incident, comprising representatives from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Commission on Higher Education, and the National Youth Commission, in cooperation with the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice.
The panel aims to examine existing policies, protocols, and training practices to strengthen safeguards in athletic training environments and provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the tragic drowning.
Initial police findings suggest that the incident was a "purely accidental" drowning, with strong currents carrying the two athletes into deeper waters while swimming, and despite swift recovery efforts, they were pronounced dead at a medical facility.
The local government and police have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims and to wait for the completion of the investigation, with authorities seeking to provide support and answers to the families of the victims.
Baterbonia's family, who rushed to Manila to retrieve his body, is demanding a proper explanation from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) regarding the circumstances surrounding his death, with his mother expressing concerns about the nature of the team building activity.
The Philippine basketball community, including PBA legends, current and former UAAP and Ateneo players, and officials, has come together to mourn the loss of the two young athletes and call for truth and justice.
Ateneo de Davao has expressed its condolences and vowed to trust that the circumstances of the tragedy will be examined fully, with a mass to be held in honor of Baterbonia and Adili on Friday.
The incident has raised questions about the safety and well-being of student-athletes during training activities, with many seeking answers and accountability from those responsible.
As the investigation continues, the public is left to grapple with the shocking loss of two young lives, and the basketball community waits with bated breath for the truth to be revealed.
