Listen to this article
Upgrade to listen
Powered by Speechify
Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.
SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
GONE TOO SOON. Rene Baterbonia in action for Team Hustle in the 2026 NBTC All-Star Game and Divine Adili in action for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.
Rene Baterbonia Facebook page and UAAP
Ateneo players recall how a trip that was supposed to strengthen the Blue Eagles' bond turned very tragic
MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles came to Dipaculao, Aurora, for a team building with hopes of strengthening their bond as they geared up for UAAP Season 89.
After missing the Final Four in the last two seasons, Ateneo looked like a team to watch this time, with highly touted rookies Rene Baterbonia and Kieffer Alas and one-and-done talents EJ Kapihe and Travis Roberts joining key holdovers Jared Bahay, Divine Adili, Shawn Tuano, Ian Espinosa, Waki Espina, and Andrew Bongo.
But the Aurora trip turned tragic as Baterbonia, an incoming rookie, and Adili, a Nigerian foreign student-athlete, died from drowning during one of their activities.
A week after the incident, Alas and Sam Reyes appeared on the Let’s Talk with Pia Hontivero s podcast to shed light on the events leading up to their teammates’ deaths.
Who were there?
The team building was supervised by head coach Tab Baldwin, assistant coaches Sandro Soriano, Dean Castaño, and Jon Jacinto, strength and conditioning coach CJ Elumba, physical therapist Jerick Rueca, and two student managers.
Players who made the trip to Aurora include Alas, Reyes, Baterbonia, Adili, Bahay, Tuano, Espinosa, Espina, Bongo, Kapihe, Roberts, Sultan Baruwa, Logan Baltazar, Kyle Gamber, Grayson Rogers, Matt de Luna, Malcolm Tyler, Jay-M Leal, Alden Cainglet, and Michael Asoro.
Saturday, June 6
Ateneo wins its first game in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
The Blue Eagles coast to a 72-52 victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
Top performers include Roberts (17 points, 3 rebounds), Espina (9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals), Alas (9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists), and Bahay (7 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds).
Baterbonia watches the game from the sidelines two days after arriving in Manila on June 4.
Adili does not play.
Sunday, June 7
The team leaves for Aurora.
On the afternoon of their arrival, the players clean debris from the beach in preparation for the activities the following day. This is also the time when the photo showing Baterbonia writing his name in the sand is taken.
The players take part in a group session where they’re asked to introduce themselves, say a fun fact about themselves, and practice the Ateneo hymn “A Song for Mary.”
Baterbonia’s fun fact is that he likes watching mukbang videos.
Players gather for dinner.
Baldwin announces that the players need to give up their phones, before the team calls it a night.
Monday, June 8
The players are awakened in the wee hours by a blaring siren, marking the start of the day’s activities.
Since there are no clocks around and the players surrendered their phones, they’re unaware of the time.
Players go for a morning run.
Alas: “Everyone has to run four kilometers and we combined the times and it should be like under a certain time. I’m not sure how much. We passed with flying colors. We were happy and celebrating.”
The team prepares breakfast.
Reyes: “Us vets were assigned to cook breakfast meals and the rookies were assigned to fix the table.”
The players are given a break at around 8 am.
Alas takes a nap. Reyes swims, finding the water shallow.
Players enjoy a game of dodgeball.
Alas: “It was good actually. Everyone was enjoying. It was pretty competitive.”
Team gathers for lunch.
A team water activity starts.
The players are instructed to line up in thigh-deep water parallel to the shore for an exercise led by Castaño.
Alas: “It was actually pretty simple, supposed to be like a 10-minute thing.”
The 6-foot-7 Kapihe and 6-foot-10 Tyler are the farthest from the shore followed by Reyes, Baterbonia, Alas, and Leal. Adili is somewhere in the middle of the line because he is a non-swimmer.
The first wave hits. Water level rises from thigh to the chest.
Players do not think much of the first wave that hit them, even as Reyes describes it as “bigger than us.”
Reyes: “At first, we were having fun laughing on the first wave.”
Waves crash in succession.
Things take a serious turn after the second wave as the players hear Gamber screaming for help.
Alas on Gamber: “The weird thing was we were all laughing because we thought he was just joking.”
Reyes: “During the first wave, we were riding the wave and we didn’t realize that we were being pulled away. Then when the second wave came, that was when we realized that [something was wrong].”
Panic ensues after the third wave as players get pulled a…
Read the full article at Rappler →📄Source document: CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II
34 reports
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 854 days agoThe Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against former Ateneo de Manila University basketball coach Tab Baldwin, along with several other individuals, in connection with the investigation into the deaths of two players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. The ILBO allows authorities to monitor the movements of those involved but does not restrict their ability to leave the country.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding the issuance of an immigration lookout order against Tab Baldwin and others without apparent bias. It explains the legal implications of the order and provides context about its limitations. There is no evident framing that favors one side over the.
Official sources cited
- government Department of Justice (DOJ)
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 856 days agoAteneo de Manila University has accepted the resignation of men's basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin following the deaths of two players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building trip in Aurora province. University President Roberto Yap stated that the resignation was necessary to ensure the integrity of the institution's sports programs and to conduct an internal review.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the resignation of a sports coach following a tragic incident involving student athletes. The framing is neutral, focusing on the university's response and the need for an internal review without taking a stance on the circumstances surrounding the deaths or assigning blame.
Official sources cited
- organisation Ateneo de Manila University President Roberto Yap
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 854 days ago TIMELINE: The day Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia diedThe article provides a timeline of events surrounding the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, who drowned during a team-building activity while representing Ateneo Blue Eagles. It mentions their roles in the team, the context of their participation in the event, and subsequent discussions by teammates on a podcast.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related tragedy without overt political commentary, framing, or bias. It presents factual information about the incident and includes quotes or references to team members discussing the event. There is no discernible ideological slant in the language, sourcing, or omm
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago Ateneo drowning probe: CIDG to reach out to Baldwin’s estranged wifeThe Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is planning to contact Efi Baldwin, the estranged wife of Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin, as part of an ongoing investigation into the deaths of two Ateneo basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. The deaths occurred in June when the players were reportedly swept away by a current while training near a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora. CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II stated that investigators would question Ateneo authorities and attempt to reach out to Efi Baldwin, who is believed to be in New Zealand, as
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an ongoing criminal investigation without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the CIDG's planned actions and includes quotes from officials without apparent bias. There is no clear indication of loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or editorialized
Official sources cited
- government CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago CIDG seeks more lookout order vs Ateneo coaches after no-showThe Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue additional Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) against coaches of the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team who failed to appear before investigators in connection with the fatal drowning of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an ongoing criminal investigation without overtly favoring any side. It presents facts from official sources (CIDG director's statement) and does not include commentary or framing that suggests a political bias.
Official sources cited
- government CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago CIDG eyes 7 persons of interest in Ateneo drowning caseThe Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is investigating at least seven persons of interest in connection with the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II confirmed the update during a press briefing.
Bias read (Center): The article reports factual updates from an official source (CIDG director) without apparent bias, framing, or ideological emphasis. It provides straightforward information about the number of persons of interest in an ongoing criminal investigation.
Official sources cited
- government CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago Baldwin resigns as Ateneo Blue Eagles coach | The wRapTab Baldwin has resigned as head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball team following the deaths of two players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, during a team-building activity. Ateneo de Davao has renamed a court after Baterbonia and retired his jersey. Other news includes calls to lower the impeachment threshold for Vice President Sara Duterte and warnings about unstable ground in parts of General Santos.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on sports-related events without taking a stance or showing bias. It provides factual updates on the resignation of a coach and related tributes, with no indication of ideological framing or slanted language.
Official sources cited
- organisation Ateneo de Davao Senior High School
- organisation Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago Ateneo vows ‘material support’ to Baterbonia, Adili families: Moral obligation, not settlementAteneo de Manila University President Fr. Bobby Yap announced that the university will provide 'material support' to the families of deceased student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. The support, described as a moral obligation rather than a legal settlement, aims to address financial, emotional, and long-term burdens resulting from their deaths during a team-building activity. The university emphasized that this assistance is not intended to imply fault or liability.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual summary of the university's statement without apparent ideological framing. It does not take a stance on the incident itself, nor does it favor any particular perspective beyond quoting the university's explanation of its actions.
Official sources cited
- organisation Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Bobby Yap's statement
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago Remulla: Ateneo athletics chief appears before CIDG, Baldwin no-showAteneo de Manila University athletics director Em Fernandez appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in connection with the investigation into the drowning deaths of men's basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the police had subpoenaed five members of the university's basketball team management. Head coach Tab Baldwin, team manager Epok Quimpo, and team chaplain Fr. Nemy Que did not appear in person but sent legal representatives instead. The CIDG plans to issue further subpoenas.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an ongoing criminal investigation without apparent ideological framing. It presents facts about the involvement of individuals and the procedural steps taken by authorities without using biased language or emphasizing one side over another.
Official sources cited
- government Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla
GMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days agoThe Commission on Human Rights (CIDG) is investigating potential cases of hazing and homicide related to the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an ongoing investigation into the deaths of two athletes without taking a stance on the matter. It does not include any biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The focus is on the fact that an investigation is underway.
GMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin, team manager Epok Quimpo resign following deaths of Baterbonia, AdiliAteneo de Manila University basketball coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo have resigned following the deaths of two players, Jorel Baterbonia and Adrian Adili.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on resignations related to sports personnel following player deaths. The subject is not politically charged, and the article provides only factual information without evident framing or slant.
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 856 days ago Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin resigns week after players’ deathsAteneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin resigned following the deaths of two players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, during a team-building activity. The incident occurred at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora. Baldwin apologized for the tragedy in a video message and stepped down amid public pressure. Team manager Epok Quimpo also resigned. Ateneo accepted both resignations immediately.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the resignation of a sports coach following a tragic incident involving athletes. It presents factual information without apparent ideological framing, focusing on events and statements made by involved parties. There is no indication of biased language, one-sided sourcing, or
Official sources cited
- organisation Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap's statement
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 804 days ago CIDG says Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili deaths ‘not an accident’Two Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has stated that their deaths were not an accident, countering the initial claim by the Aurora police. CIDG Director Major General Robert Alexander Morico II mentioned that most of the team was in the water, approximately 700 meters away from their resort, and highlighted the dangerous sea conditions at the time.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding the investigation into the deaths of two athletes without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It reports on the CIDG's statement and includes direct quotes from CIDG Director Morico, providing a balanced account of the situation.
Official sources cited
- government CIDG Director Robert Alexander Morico II
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 806 days ago Ateneo: Basketball team retreat a tradition, 5th time at Aurora resortAteneo de Manila University confirmed that its men's basketball team's week-long team-building retreats have been a longstanding tradition, dating back to the tenure of former coach Norman Black. Current president Fr. Roberto Yap stated that these retreats, including visits to the Aurora resort, have occurred regularly, with the current trip being the fourth or fifth visit to the location. This comes amid scrutiny following the recent deaths of two players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, during a team-building event.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports-related event and does not take a stance on any political issue. It provides factual information about Ateneo de Manila University's traditions and includes quotes from university officials without apparent bias.
Official sources cited
- organisation Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 806 days ago CIDG: Ateneo president, telco execs to be subpoenaed over drowning caseThe Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced that Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap and officials of Smart Communications will be subpoenaed in connection with the fatal drowning of two men's basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II stated during a press briefing that the investigation found the Ateneo basketball team may be autonomously managed by a foundation linked to Smart Communications, which handles program planning and funding. Subpoenas are expected to be issued soon.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on an ongoing criminal investigation and does not take a stance on the potential guilt or innocence of any parties involved. The tone remains neutral, focusing on procedural steps taken by the CIDG.
Official sources cited
- government CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 756 days ago Why did Ateneo stay silent? Out of ‘respect’ for families, execs sayAteneo de Manila University (ADMU) explained its decision to remain largely silent following the deaths of two basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, as an act of respect for the grieving families. During a press conference, ADMU President Fr. Roberto Yap stated that the university prioritized providing support directly to the families rather than sharing updates publicly. He acknowledged the perception of inaction but emphasized the importance of allowing families space to grieve without public scrutiny.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the university's explanation for its lack of public communication in a neutral manner, quoting statements from ADMU officials without apparent bias. There is no indication of favoritism toward any political side or ideological stance. The framing focuses on the university's just
Official sources cited
- organisation Statement by ADMU President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 756 days ago Ateneo: No heads-up on risks of Baldwin coaching studentsAteneo de Manila University has denied receiving any prior warnings about potential risks associated with former men's basketball coach Tab Baldwin mentoring student-athletes. This comes amid claims by Baldwin's estranged wife, Efi Baldwin, who allegedly informed university officials about concerns over student safety. The university president stated there were no complaints or communications related to student safety involving Baldwin. These statements follow the deaths of two Ateneo basketball players during a team-building event where Baldwin was present.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statements from both Ateneo de Manila University and Efi Baldwin without overtly favoring either side. It reports the university's denial of prior knowledge and mentions Baldwin's wife's allegations without taking a stance on their validity. The framing remains neutral, focusing
Official sources cited
- organisation Statement from Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 703 days ago Alas, Reyes burdened by blame for Baterbonia, Adili deaths: ‘We experienced the trauma as well’Ateneo Blue Eagles players Kieffer Alas and Sam Reyes spoke out about the emotional toll of bearing responsibility for the deaths of their teammates Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. They described experiencing fear for their own lives during the incident and expressed that they are facing public criticism alongside grieving the loss of their teammates.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related tragedy and the personal experiences of athletes without taking a stance on political issues. It presents the athletes' perspectives on the incident and the emotional impact on them, without showing bias toward any political viewpoint.
RapplerIndependentCenter2 days ago IN PHOTOS: Black armbands, walkout mark Ateneo graduation day after Adili, Baterbonia deathsAteneo de Manila University's graduating class wore black armbands during their commencement ceremony to protest the deaths of student athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, who drowned during a team activity on June 8. The students expressed demands for transparency, accountability, and justice from the university administration, criticizing its response as inadequate.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a student-led protest regarding the deaths of two athletes and calls for accountability from the university administration. It presents the event factually without overtly favoring any side, using neutral language and focusing on the actions and statements of the students and校
RapplerIndependentCenter2 days ago UAAP bars Ateneo coaching staff present in Aurora when Baterbonia, Adili diedThe UAAP has banned Ateneo's coaching staff who were present during a team-building trip in Aurora where two players drowned. The affected coaches include former head coach Tab Baldwin and several assistants. The ban applies to all UAAP-related activities until the investigation concludes.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports organization's disciplinary action following an incident involving athletes. It presents facts without overtly favoring any side, using neutral language and focusing on procedural actions taken by the UAAP.
Official sources cited
- organisation UAAP Statement on Ateneo Coaching Staff Ban
PH