The resort that hosted a team-building activity for the Ateneo de Manila University basketball team did not coordinate with local authorities prior to the event where two student-athletes drowned, said the mayor.

Interviewed by DZRH News, Mayor Danilo Tolentino said no representative from the resort coordinated with the local government unit (LGU) before accommodating the Ateneo de Manila University group, which included the victims Divine Adili, 21, and Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19.

“Walang pumunta rito na makipag-coordinate dito sa aming opisina,” Tolentino said in an interview with DZRH when asked whether the resort owner had informed the LGU.

The incident occurred Monday, June 8, during a team-building activity in the coastal town.

Tolentino emphasized that coordination between resorts and the LGU is important, especially when hosting guests, to ensure safety and proper monitoring.

“Dapat po sana na nakipag-coordinate na sila ay tumanggap ng bisita,” he said.

The mayor explained that such coordination allows authorities to be aware of visitors in the area and to prepare for any emergencies.

“Mahalaga po dahil kasi may mga insidente na nangyayari na hindi namin alam na mayroon pala kaming guests dito sa ating bayan,” Tolentino said.

He added that establishments are expected to report to the town’s tourism assistance center and coordinate with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), which is located near the shoreline.

The municipal government is launching a parallel probe alongside national authorities to determine possible lapses in safety protocols that led to the deaths of the young student-athletes.