Two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players have died after a drowning incident during a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, the university confirmed on Monday, June 8.

Divine Adili, 21, and Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, both members of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, were swept into deeper waters by strong currents while swimming on the afternoon of June 8, according to initial police findings.

Responding personnel from the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station brought the victims to a medical facility, but both were later declared dead by an attending physician.

Adili competed for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88, where he averaged 8.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists across 11 games.

Baterbonia, meanwhile, recently represented Davao in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa held in Agusan del Sur and was set to play for Ateneo in UAAP Season 89 later this year.

In a statement, Ateneo de Manila University said it was “with profound sadness” that it confirmed the deaths of the two student-athletes following the incident during a team-building activity.

“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine,” the university said, extending condolences to their families, friends, teammates and coaches.

The university said it is providing support to the families of the victims, as well as to members of the Ateneo community affected by the tragedy, and requested privacy as arrangements for the wake and funeral are being finalized.

The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) also expressed condolences and said an investigation is ongoing.

“Initial findings indicate that the victims were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters,” PRO 3 said, urging the public to avoid speculation and to observe safety precautions when engaging in water activities.

Authorities said they will continue coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure all aspects of the incident are properly addressed.