The management of the resort in Dipaculao, Aurora, where Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili drowned has denied any negligence in connection with the tragedy.
Speaking during an ambush interview at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), lawyer Atty. Raymund Martelino said the resort had implemented safety measures, including warning signs, rules and guidelines posted in every room, and informational materials about rip currents—strong water flows that can pull swimmers away from shore.
Martelino also stressed that the Ateneo men's basketball team had been holding team-building activities at the resort for the past three years, making the location familiar to the group.
“The necessary precautions were there. This is not the first time that the Ateneo men's basketball team stayed in the resort. In fact, this is like a program already for the Ateneo Men's Basketball team,” Martelino said.
The lawyer emphasized that the resort management had no control over or involvement in the team's activities during their stay.
He added that his clients voluntarily appeared before the NBI-Homicide Division to cooperate with investigators and help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Martelino, the resort's lifeguard and two owners were among the first responders who attempted to rescue the athletes.
“We want to clarify and inform the public and to prevent further speculations and conjectures. There are so many theories, allegations, and finger-pointing. We commiserate and sympathize with the family,” he said.
Authorities continue to investigate the drowning incident to determine whether any parties may be held liable.
