The local government of Dipaculao, Aurora will conduct its own investigation into the drowning of two student-athletes during a team-building activity at a resort in the province.
In an interview with DZRH News on Wednesday, Mayor Danilo Tolentino said the municipal government is launching a parallel probe alongside national authorities to determine possible lapses in safety protocols that led to the deaths of Divine Adili, 21, and Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, both from Ateneo de Manila University.
An ocular inspection of the incident site is scheduled Wednesday morning, led by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the municipal tourism office, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the local police.
Authorities will also review compliance of resort owners, hotel operators and transient houses with existing regulations.
Initial findings indicate that the resort where the team-building activity was held allegedly failed to coordinate with the local government, a requirement under municipal policy for activities involving water.
“Sana ay ipatala nila ang lahat ng bisita sa amin. May opisina naman ang tourism officer o kaya sa MDRRMO, lalo na sa barangay,” Tolentino said, emphasizing the need for prior coordination to allow deployment of safety personnel.
Tolentino added that warning signs were posted at the site, including advisories against swimming and reminders requiring the use of life vests.
“Doon sa pinangyarihan merong mga signage na bawal maligo. May signage na kailangan may life vest,” he said.
A report from the MDRRMO indicated that the victims were not wearing life vests at the time of the incident.
Authorities said the group entered the water as part of their team-building activity, which may have included elements resembling training exercises.
Initial police findings suggested the participants were wading through waist-deep water when the two victims suddenly disappeared, possibly pulled by an undercurrent.
Baterbonia was recovered about 30 minutes later, while Adili, a Nigerian national, was found roughly an hour after the incident.
Tolentino said it is crucial to identify where lapses occurred to review and strengthen existing municipal ordinances on coastal safety.
At the provincial level, Board Members Mariano Tangson and Jennifer Araña called for a formal inquiry, urging concerned agencies and personnel to explain their roles and determine accountability.
Aurora Governor Isidro Galvan earlier expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called on the public to offer prayers for them.
The incident has renewed concerns over recurring drowning cases in Aurora, particularly in coastal areas of Dipaculao such as Barangays Lobbot, Lipit and Mijares, where strong currents are common despite the presence of warning signages.
Authorities said a consolidated report is expected following the investigation, which will serve as the basis for determining liability and implementing stricter safety measures.
