Investigators say no weights were attached to victims as authorities reiterate drowning was caused by strong sea current
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Police authorities in Aurora have debunked claims circulating on social media that weights were attached to the bodies of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players who drowned during a beach outing in Dipaculao, stressing that investigators found no evidence to support such allegations.
Dipaculao Police Chief Maj. Eduardo Mendoza Jr. said responding authorities found no weights or similar objects attached to the bodies of athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, contrary to reports that surfaced online following the tragedy.
In a statement relayed to the media on Tuesday, Mendoza said the information was based on accounts from personnel of the municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as well as responding police officers who were involved in the rescue and recovery operations.
The clarification came as speculation continued to spread online suggesting that the victims may have been participating in a team-building activity when the incident occurred.
Earlier, Aurora Police Provincial Director Col. Percival Pineda said investigators found no indication of foul play in the deaths of the two student-athletes.
According to the initial investigation, the victims were swept away by a strong sea current while swimming at a beach resort in Dipaculao on Monday afternoon.
Authorities said the incident occurred at approximately 2:40 p.m., while police received notification of the emergency around 3:15 p.m., prompting an immediate response from local rescue teams.
Pineda appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, emphasizing that misinformation only adds to the pain being experienced by the families and loved ones of the victims.
“We appeal to the public not to spread misinformation and to respect the grieving families during this difficult time,” the police official said.
The Ateneo de Manila University earlier expressed its condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Adili and pledged support to those affected by the tragedy.
Baterbonia, 19, was regarded as one of the promising young prospects of the Blue Eagles program and had recently competed in the Palarong Pambansa basketball finals.
Adili, 21, a Nigerian student-athlete, previously saw action for Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, but reiterated that available evidence points to an accidental drowning caused by natural sea conditions rather than any criminal act.
IA/XF
