CHED conducts own investigation on Ateneo student-atheletes' deaths
The Commission on Higher Education has launched an investigation into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, vowing to determine accountability and ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.
In a statement issued on June 10, CHED expressed its condolences to the families, teammates, and loved ones of the two student-athletes, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
"This tragic incident demands a thorough, impartial, and immediate examination of all circumstances surrounding the deaths of these students," the commission said.
According to CHED, it immediately initiated fact-finding and accountability measures following the incident and required Ateneo to submit information and explanations necessary to assess responsibility.
The commission said that their National Capital Region office has also directed the school to submit a comprehensive incident report and convened a meeting with university officials.
Based on information presented by Ateneo's Crisis Management Team, the incident occurred during an off-season team-building and training camp involving 24 student-athletes and seven adult supervisors composed of coaches and staff members of the Ateneo men's basketball team.
During the meeting, Ateneo officials discussed the university's immediate response to the tragedy, while CHED requested additional documents and information for a complete assessment of the incident.
The commission also confirmed that it is coordinating with the Philippine Sports Commission, having participated in a Sports Stakeholders' Panel organized by the agency.
According to CHED, the joint effort seeks to review existing policies and practices governing athletic training, team activities, and student-athlete welfare.
"The safety and welfare of students must never be compromised," the commission said.
"The Commission will pursue the truth without exception, ensure that accountability is imposed where warranted, and require corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. No institution, official, or individual responsible for student welfare is exempt from accountability."
CHED added that it remains committed to ensuring that higher education institutions uphold the highest standards of care, supervision, and responsibility in protecting students.
The deaths of Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, have sparked widespread mourning and scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the team-building activity, with multiple government agencies now conducting separate investigations into the incident.
