The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show-cause order against Ateneo de Manila University after the school allegedly failed to submit required documents related to the drowning deaths of two student-athletes during a school-sanctioned activity in Aurora province.

CHED said the order stemmed from Ateneo’s noncompliance with repeated requests for an incident report and other required submissions following the June 8, 2026, tragedy in Dipaculao town.

In a statement, CHED said its National Capital Region office first directed the university on June 9 to submit an incident report, a certificate of compliance with existing regulations on off-campus activities, and other documents required under agency policies. The commission said follow-up requests were made, but the university did not provide the requested records.

As a result, CHED issued the show-cause order on June 16, requiring Ateneo to explain within 10 days why it should not face sanctions for alleged violations of regulations governing off-campus activities and student supervision.

“CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed,” CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said in a statement.

She added that higher education institutions are expected to fully cooperate with regulatory processes, particularly in cases involving student safety and welfare.

The commission said the order covers possible violations of rules on off-campus activities and institutional responsibility, including compliance with safety requirements and the duty of schools acting in loco parentis.

CHED reiterated that it remains committed to enforcing standards across higher education institutions and ensuring accountability in incidents involving student welfare.

The agency also urged the public to rely only on official statements while administrative proceedings are ongoing.

The university has not yet publicly responded to the show-cause order as of publication time.