CIDG: First responders to be summoned over Ateneo drowning case

[Updated June 17, 2026, 3:59 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — The first responders in the drowning incident of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili will also be summoned for the investigation into the incident.

The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) said that on Wednesday.

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In a press briefing in Camp Crame, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said at least 48 individuals had been subpoenaed in connection with the investigation into the incident.

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READ: CIDG: Ateneo drowning case possible homicide, hazing

“That includes the first responders also, because there are allegations that Adili still had a pulse when he was taken out of the water,” Morico explained.

“There are also allegations that the ones who did the rescuing were yung students and some coaching staff. So, we will be asking also,” he added.

Baterbonia and Adili died after being swept away by a current during a supposed training exercise along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora earlier this month.

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In a podcast interview with journalist Pia Hontiveros released on Tuesday, Ateneo player Sam Reyes, who had nearly also drowned during the Aurora incident, claimed Adili still had a pulse before being rushed to the hospital in a police vehicle.

Adili and Baterbonia were taken to Aurora Memorial Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

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Asked if the first responders would face any liability over the incident, Morico answered, “We will be consulting our legal team.”

The Aurora Provincial Police Office previously said a post-mortem examination of Baterbonia’s body indicated he had died of asphyxia by drowning, while it had yet to receive information on Adili’s remains.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Embassy in Manila disclosed that Adili’s family had requested an autopsy before his remains would be repatriated.

Asked on whether an autopsy had already been done on Adili’s remains, Morico said the CIDG will be reaching out to the player’s father.

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Adili’s father, Elias, is reportedly set to fly to the Philippines. /mr