MANILA, Philippines — The local government unit of Dipaculao, Aurora announced on Thursday that it ordered the temporary closure of the resort where the Ateneo men's basketball team held a team-building activity, which ultimately led to the drowning of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili last Sunday.
On its Facebook page 'LGU Dipaculao', the Dipaculao Municipality said that authorities found the resort failed to comply with Sangguniang Bayan Ordinance No. 2025-12, or “An Ordinance Promoting Safety in Seashores and Other Bodies of Water, Including Tourist Destinations, within the Jurisdiction of the Municipality of Dipaculao, Aurora.”
"The implementation of the aforementioned Temporary Closure Order is part of the Local Government's continuing efforts to ensure public safety and the strict enforcement of existing laws and ordinances governing tourism-related establishments and activities in bodies of water," LGU Dipaculao wrote in Filipino.
"The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dipaculao continues to coordinate with the concerned agencies to ensure full compliance with safety standards and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"The Municipal Government of Dipaculao extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy."
