Malacañang on Thursday ordered a swift and thorough investigation into the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro expressed condolences to the families of the victims, identified as Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who died during a training session held with their team on June 8.

Castro said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed authorities to immediately determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure accountability where necessary.

“Nakikiramay tayo sa pangyayari na ito. Ang nais din po ng Pangulo ay hindi lamang po sa sitwasyon na ganito pero sa lahat po ng mga Pilipino na napupunta sa ganitong klase ng sitwasyon dapat po agarang ang pag-iimbestiga,” Castro said.

She added that authorities should not pre-empt or prejudge the outcome of the probe, but emphasized that the incident warrants urgent attention given that the training activity reportedly ended in a fatal outcome.

“Kailangan po talaga ng agarang pag-iimbestiga nito dahil hindi po naging maganda ang naging resulta ng sinasabing training. Of course hindi po natin kailangan i-preempt o magpre-judge dito,” she noted.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has summoned Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin to explain the circumstances surrounding the team activity.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formed a special task force to conduct a deeper inquiry into the drowning incident.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government of Dipaculao are also expected to carry out their own investigations.

Earlier, Aurora provincial authorities said initial findings showed no indication of foul play, describing the incident as a “purely accidental” drowning. According to witness accounts, the tragedy occurred around 2:40 p.m. during a team-building activity attended by around 20 participants.