Palace wants deep probe into deaths of Ateneo cagers

Malacañang has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players during a team-building activity in Aurora, saying authorities must determine exactly what went wrong.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro conveyed the government’s condolences to the families of the victims while stressing the need for a full and impartial probe.

“Unang-una po, of course, ay nakikiramay tayo sa pangyayaring ito,” Castro said.

“Kailangan talaga ng imbestigasyon dahil hindi talaga naging maganda ang naging resulta ng nasabing training. Of course, hindi natin kailangan i-pre-empt or mag-prejudge dito. So kailangan talaga ng agarang imbestigasyon,” she added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. likewise wants an in-depth investigation into the incident that claimed the lives of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia.

The two players died during a team-building exercise in Dipaculao, Aurora that was reportedly part of the basketball team’s training program. 

According to reports, the athletes were in waist-deep water when strong waves swept them away.

Members of the group searched for the victims for more than 30 minutes before they were recovered unconscious. Both were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

A post-mortem examination later determined that the cause of death was “asphyxia by drowning.”

Investigators have begun looking into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Initial findings by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicated there was no evidence of foul play, although possible liability arising from negligence has not been ruled out.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which is conducting a separate inquiry, disclosed that at least three persons of interest have been identified.

The incident has also prompted lawmakers to seek a closer review of safety measures in school athletic programs. 

Resolutions have been filed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate calling for hearings aimed at strengthening protections for student-athletes during training and other school-sanctioned activities.