The owner of a coastal resort in Dipaculao, Aurora said that coaches had repeatedly been reminded to ensure participants would not stray far from the designated safe area during a team-building activity prior to the deaths of two student-athletes on June 8.
According to a report by Grace Sansano, the resort owner, Francisco Zubia III, said strong ocean currents in parts of the shoreline made certain areas dangerous for swimming, prompting strict instructions that guests should stay near the front of the property and use life vests in permitted spots.
The group involved, identified as members of the Ateneo de Manila University basketball team, had been told upon arrival that only specific sections of the shoreline were safe, and that venturing into restricted areas was not allowed due to safety risks.
Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, were among those who died in the incident, authorities confirmed.
Investigators from the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, along with personnel from the local government, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the tourism office, conducted an ocular inspection of the site. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also earlier joined the initial assessment.
Authorities said they verified guest lists and other records as part of efforts to account for all individuals present during the exclusive booking period. Investigators noted that this was reportedly the fourth time the same group had conducted a team building activity at the resort.
Officials also observed warning signage in the coastal barangay indicating prohibited swimming zones, including red flags placed in areas with strong currents.
The resort owner said the property was booked exclusively for the group during the duration of the activity and emphasized that no outside guests were allowed during that time.
The resort has suspended operations pending the completion of the investigation and has pledged full cooperation with authorities as they determine possible lapses and accountability.
