MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bam Aquino has sought a Senate investigation on the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an off-campus activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The senator on Thursday filed a resolution seeking the inquiry "to strengthen safety measures and accountability mechanisms for off-campus school activities and sports programs."
Aquino called on the appropriate Senate committees to determine the circumstances surrounding the drowning of Baterbonia and Adili on June 8. He visited Baterbonia’s wake to offer his condolences to the family.
“The deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili demand a careful and impartial examination of the circumstances that led to the incident, not only to ensure accountability where warranted, but above all to draw lessons that may help prevent the loss of young lives in the future and to provide their families and the public with a full and truthful account of what transpired,” Aquino said.
He pressed for a review of requirements for school-organized off-campus activities, including parental consent, safety protocols, supervision, emergency response measures, coordination with local authorities, and other safeguards to protect students.
Considered one of the country’s most promising young basketball players, Baterbonia, 19, led Davao Region to the 2025 Palarong Pambansa basketball title and earned the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.
Adili, a 21-year-old Nigerian, was set to enter his second year as center for the Blue Eagles.
