CHED issues show-cause order to Ateneo over drowning deaths

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has taken formal action against Ateneo de Manila University following the tragic drowning deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity. On June 16, CHED issued a show-cause order (SCO) demanding that Ateneo provide the necessary documentation related to the incident, which occurred on June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora. The victims, 18-year-old Rene Baterbonia and 21-year-old Divine Adili, both members of the university's men's basketball team, perished due to strong rip currents while participating in a sanctioned off-campus activity. Several other players were also put at risk during the event.

According to CHED's statement, the order was issued after repeated attempts to obtain the required documents, including an incident report, a certificate of compliance with CMO No. 63 (s. 2017)—which outlines guidelines for off-campus activities—and documents mandated under Article V of CMO No. 6 (s. 2026), which pertains to the anti-hazing policy. Despite these efforts, Ateneo did not respond adequately, prompting the commission to take regulatory measures. The university is now required to submit a sworn written explanation within ten days, detailing why it should not face sanctions for alleged violations of the aforementioned policies and its failure to supervise students appropriately.

The incident sparked immediate outrage among students and faculty, leading to a walkout and a protest march organized by Ateneo students. They demanded transparency, accountability, and justice from the university administration. The demonstration highlighted the deep concern surrounding student safety and the perceived lack of oversight by the institution. The emotional toll of the tragedy was evident, with families of the victims expressing their grief and frustration over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is conducting an ongoing probe into the incident, aiming to conclude its investigation by the end of the week. Additionally, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has suspended the former head coach of Ateneo, Tab Baldwin, along with other coaching staff who were present during the team-building activity. Baldwin is currently under an immigration lookout bulletin order, indicating that he is being monitored for potential legal or administrative actions.

The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have raised broader concerns about the safety protocols followed by educational institutions when organizing off-campus activities. Both CMO No. 63 and CMO No. 6 emphasize the need for strict adherence to safety regulations, particularly in scenarios where students are away from campus. The failure to meet these standards has led to serious consequences, not just for the university but also for the wider community of students and parents who rely on such institutions to ensure the well-being of their children.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The outcome of the show-cause order and the results of the ongoing investigations will likely shape the response from CHED and other regulatory bodies. Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to seek closure, hoping that the incident will serve as a catalyst for improved safety measures and greater accountability within academic institutions.