The resort in Aurora province has voluntarily ceased operations pending the outcome of an investigation into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes, according to resort management.

Due to the resort’s temporary closure, Francisco Zubia III, one of the owners, said they had to call their guests and cancel the bookings, RH Grace Sansano reported on Wednesday, June 10.

“Okay lang po sa amin. Inunahan na nga po namin sila [local government units] na mag-close dahil…yung mga guest po namin ay amin na pong ininform na may temporary closure po muna kami. Para mag-comply sa ongoing investigation ng local government at ng national government, kaya cinancel po muna namin ang mga booking,” Zubia said.

“Kaya message po namin sa kanila, hintayin na lang po ang pagbubukas po namin ulit,” he added.

On Monday, June 8, Ateneo de Manila University confirmed the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia, who are both members of the Men’s Basketball Team. Initial police findings found that the athletes were swept into deeper waters by strong currents while they were swimming.

Sansano also reported that the LGU previously issued a reminder to locals and guests to wear life jackets or other floating devices when swimming in the said area, due to the presence of rip currents.

On Wednesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to form a special task force, directing the agency to conduct a “thorough, comprehensive and impartial” investigation into the deaths of the two student-athletes.