Palace seeks swift probe into Ateneo athletes’ deaths

MANILA, Philippines — The deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players should be investigated immediately, Malacañang said, while cautioning against prejudging the incident amid rumors that the team activity may have involved hazing.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants a swift probe not only in this case, but in similar incidents involving Filipinos placed in dangerous situations.

"First, of course, we sympathize over this incident. What the president wants, not only in this situation but in all situations where Filipinos end up in this kind of situation, is for there to be an immediate investigation.," Castro said in Filipino at a media briefing Thursday, June 11.

Ateneo earlier confirmed the deaths of men's basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili following a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday, June 8.

The incident has drawn public concern over the circumstances of the activity and whether school or team officials should be held accountable.

Asked about rumors that the incident may have involved hazing rather than training, Castro said an investigation was needed because of the outcome of the activity.

"There really needs to be an immediate investigation because the outcome of the supposed training was not good," Castro said.

"Of course, we should not preempt or prejudge this, so there really needs to be an immediate investigation," she added.

Aurora police earlier said there was no indication of foul play in the drowning of the two Ateneo players and appealed to the public to stop spreading speculation. Ateneo has also said it is cooperating with authorities and reviewing the circumstances of the activity.

The Philippine National Police's criminal investigators, meanwhile, have issued subpoenas on the players and coaches who may have knowledge of the circumstances around the drowning incident.

Baterbonia, 19, was an incoming Blue Eagles rookie and a former Palarong Pambansa standout. Adili, 21, was a Nigerian center for the Ateneo men’s basketball team. — with report from Martin Ramos