Ateneo Probes Athletes' Deaths as Five Agencies Investigate

Jesuit university vows 'absolute truth' and accountability after two basketball players drown in Aurora

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday ordered an independent fact-finding investigation into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, as five government agencies launched parallel probes into the drowning incident that claimed both young lives during an off-campus team-building activity in Aurora province.

In a statement signed by university president Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, Ateneo said its board of trustees had ordered a thorough and independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the June 8 tragedy and determine whether safety and athletic protocols were properly observed.

Three days after confirming the deaths, the Jesuit-run university said its immediate priority remained supporting the victims' families while pursuing what it described as the