CIDG probing drowning of Ateneo’s Baterbonia, Adili — Remulla

PHOTOS: Rene Baterbonia’s Instagram and INQUIRER.net File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will create a report on the drowning incident in Aurora in which Ateneo men’s basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili passed away, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

“We will come up with a report pretty soon. CIDG Aurora will come up with a report,” Remulla said in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Tuesday morning.

Asked whether foul play was involved in the athletes’ passing, he said, “We don’t know yet.”

READ: Ateneo’s Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili die in drowning incident

Baterbonia and Adili were “swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters,” according to the Police Regional Office Central Luzon (PRO 3) in a statement on Monday.

“The victims were promptly transported to a medical facility; however, they were later declared dead by the attending physician,” PRO 3 explained. “We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and allow the authorities to complete the investigation.”

“We also urge beachgoers and tourists to observe safety advisories and exercise extra caution when engaging in water activities, particularly in areas where strong currents may be present,” it added.

The Ateneo de Manila University on Monday extended its condolences and support to Baterbonia and Adili’s families.

Baterbonia, 19, recently played in the Palarong Pambansa finals two weeks ago and committed to the Blue Eagles program.

Adili, 21, a Nigerian foreign student athlete, played in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament last year.