Two Ateneo Blue Eagles Players Drown During Team-Building Exercise in Aurora Province

On June 8, Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagles held a team-building activity at Hermanos Leisure Farm in Barangay Libis, Dipaculao, Aurora. While walking through shallow water at about 2:40 p.m., 18-year-old forward Rene Baterbonia and 21-year-old center Divine Adili were pulled into strong currents. A distress call at 3:15 p.m. prompted rescue by teammates, resort lifeguards, the Philippine National Police, the Coast Guard and local disaster officials. Both were taken to Aurora Memorial Hospital and declared dead on arrival.

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Rene Baterbonia, a native of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur and former Ateneo de Davao star, led the Davao Region to the 2025 Palarong Pambansa title and earned MVP honors. Divine Adili, a Nigerian transfer from New Era University, anchored Ateneo’s defense in UAAP Season 88 and helped the junior team win two NAASCU championships.

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• 2:40 p.m.: Players enter shallow water near the beachfront.

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• 3:15 p.m.: Distress call; police, Coast Guard and local responders dispatched.

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• 4:00 p.m.: Baterbonia and Adili taken to hospital; declared dead.

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The Philippine National Police called the drowning a “purely accidental” incident caused by strong currents. Authorities reported no indication of foul play while investigations continue. Ateneo expressed grief, offered condolences and provided counseling for teammates. The Philippine Sports Commission pledged cooperation and formed a panel with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, UAAP, Commission on Higher Education and National Youth Commission to review safety protocols. Local officials announced a site inspection of the farm.

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Baterbonia’s family has asked for an autopsy, prompting a forensic review. The panel will examine athlete safety policies, team-building procedures and risk-management practices to prevent future incidents.

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While officials maintain the drowning was accidental and free of foul play, autopsy results and final investigative report remain pending, leaving the exact cause of the strong currents unverified.

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• “Based on witness accounts and the initial police investigation, the PNP described the incident as a "purely accidental" drowning caused by strong currents.” — Philippine National Police

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• “Authorities have said there was no indication of foul play but investigations are ongoing.” — Unnamed authorities

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• “The family of Baterbonia has requested an autopsy, which Ateneo is helping to facilitate in coordination with authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.” — Ateneo University spokesperson

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• “The Philippine Sports Commission has also pledged full cooperation with investigators and announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder panel that will assist efforts by the PNP and the Department of Justice in establishing a complete and accurate account of the incident.” — Philippine Sports Commission

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The panel will convene on Wednesday, and local officials will audit safety at Hermanos Leisure Farm. Recommendations are expected to shape revised guidelines for university-sponsored team-building activities nationwide.

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