Ateneo players ‘were swimming when carried by strong current’ – police

PHOTOS: Rene Baterbonia’s Instagram and INQUIRER.net File Photo

MANILA, Philippines–An investigation is underway following a drowning incident that claimed the lives of Ateneo men’s basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divind Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday.

According to the Police Regional Office 3, Baterbonia and Adili “were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters.”

The Ateneo Blue Eagles were in Aurora for a teambuilding activity.

READ: Ateneo’s Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili die in drowning incident

“Based on initial reports, personnel of the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station immediately responded upon receiving information regarding the incident and coordinated with concerned agencies to provide the necessary assistance. The victims were promptly transported to a medical facility; however, they were later declared dead by the attending physician,” the statement read.

“PRO 3 assures the public that it will continue to diligently perform its mandate, conduct a thorough investigation, and coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure that all aspects of the incident are properly addressed.”

The 19-year-old Baterbonia, one of the top high school prospects in the country, was set to play for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89 later this year.

READ: CIDG probing drowning of Ateneo’s Baterbonia, Adili – Remulla

Baterbonia recently played in the Palarong Pambansa finals two weeks ago and committed to the Blue Eagles program. He was last year’s Palarong Pambansa MVP after leading Davao to a championship.

Adili, 21, a Nigerian foreign student-athlete, was a key cog for the Blue Eagles in Season 88 last year.