The Philippine National Police (PNP) Aurora Provincial Office said on Tuesday that based on the initial investigations, there are no signs of foul play in the drowning incident which claimed the lives of basketball players Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
According to Police Colonel Percival Pineda, acting provincial director of the Aurora PPO, the authorities determined that the tragedy was a natural accident based on witness statements and evidence gathered.
Investigators said that the incident occurred at around 2:40 p.m. during a team-building of Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball group with 20 members. They were walking along the shoreline in waist-deep water, when they unexpectedly reached a deeper section of the shore and were swept away by the strong currents.
“Based po sa salaysay ng ating mga nakausap, meron po silang activity na kung saan lumakad po ang mga players sa tabing dagat,” said Pineda, before detailing what eventually transpired.
“Nasa hanggang hita po ang lalim ng tubig, at bigla na lang po silang napunta sa malalim na parte. Yung part po ng nilalakaran nila ay may malalim na bahagi, at doon nga po, bigla silang tinangay ng current papunta sa mas malalim na bahagi ng dagat,” Pineda said.
Colleagues, and lifeguard tried saving others but Adili and Baterbonia declared died on arrival at the Aurora Memorial Hospital despite resuscitation efforts.
“May mga kasama po sila na tumulong, at meron din pong lifeguard, pero sa kasamaang palad, nasawi nga po ang dalawa,” he added.
Pineda noted that the team had previously held activities at the same resort and was familiar with the area. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information on social media out of respect for the grieving families.
Meanwhile, Aurora police officials said several drowning incidents had already been recorded in the area this year. While there is no immediate plan to prohibit swimming, authorities intend to strengthen safety measures and increase lifeguard deployment.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said a report on the incident would also be prepared by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
