The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the drowning of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
DOJ Statement
In a statement on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the DOJ said: "The NBI Central Office has been instructed to create a task force to conduct a thorough, comprehensive, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident."
The DOJ added that the NBI will determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges before the DOJ. "The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served," the statement read.
Victims and Incident
Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, drowned while the Ateneo Blue Eagles were conducting a team-building activity. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has already formed a multi-stakeholder committee to assist efforts to obtain a clear and complete account of the drowning incident.
