DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council approved a resolution on Wednesday, June 10, urging a fair and independent investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University, following public concern about safety protocols in sports-related training activities.
The move was made during the 21st City Council’s regular session, after Councilor Antoinette Principe, chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, raised the issue in a privilege speech.
Principe said the deaths of athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili highlight urgent questions on the protection and welfare of student-athletes undergoing training and team-building activities.
Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, reportedly died in a drowning incident during a team activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday, June 8.
The council paid tribute to Baterbonia, a standout player for the Davao Region Athletic Association Eagles who helped secure a historic gold medal in secondary boys’ basketball at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte. He was later recruited to play for AdMU.
Principe described him as a promising athlete whose journey inspired many young people, saying his death has left a deep sense of loss among those who followed his career.
While expressing condolences to the families of both athletes, Principe said authorities must ensure clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
She raised concerns about whether proper safety measures were in place during the activity, whether participants were fully informed of the risks, and whether preventive protocols were followed.
The councilor stressed that the call for an inquiry is not intended to assign blame prematurely, but to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
She added that if negligence is found, those responsible should be held accountable, and if gaps in safety standards exist, reforms must be implemented.
Principe also urged institutions that handle student-athletes to strengthen safety safeguards for training camps, competitions, and related activities.
The city council also pledged assistance to the bereaved family of Baterbonia, honoring his contributions to regional sports and his role in inspiring young athletes.
Baterbonia’s mother said in a social media interview that the family was not properly informed about the nature of the training program in Aurora, saying she would have opposed her son’s participation had she known the details.
AdMU confirmed the deaths and said it is coordinating with the families of the two athletes while extending condolences and support. At the same time, authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident. (By Ivy Tejano)
