Two Ateneo basketball players die in Aurora drowning

Two promising basketball players for the Ateneo de Manila University, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, died in a drowning incident on Monday, June 8, during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. The university confirmed the tragic accident, which has sent shockwaves through the Philippine sports community.

The Aurora Police Provincial Office has described the incident as a purely accidental drowning. The activity involved the entire Ateneo Blue Eagles men's basketball team, though authorities have not yet released a detailed official report on the specific circumstances.

Rene Baterbonia, 19, was a highly-touted prospect who had recently moved to the Ateneo campus in Quezon City. A standout from Ateneo de Davao, he was named Most Valuable Player after leading the Davao Region to a gold medal at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa national games. He had formally committed to play for the Blue Eagles earlier this year and was expected to make his collegiate debut in the upcoming UAAP Season 89.

Divine Adili, 21, was a 6-foot-10 Nigerian center who had already contributed to the Blue Eagles' campaign in UAAP Season 88, averaging 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds. The team finished...