Two College Basketball Players Drown During ‘Team Building Activity’

Two college basketball players have died after a tragic drowning during a school-organized team-building activity in the Philippines.

Ateneo de Manila University announced Monday, June 8, that two members of its men’s basketball team, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, drowned during an activity that was meant to build teamwork among the athletes.

The incident happened on the afternoon of June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora, according to the university.

“It is with profound sadness that Ateneo de Manila University confirms the passing of two student-athletes of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, following a drowning incident that occurred during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on the afternoon of June 8, 2026,” the school said in a statement.

Baterbonia was 19, and Adili was 21, according to the Manila Bulletin.

“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine,” the university continued.

The school offered condolences to the young athletes’ families, friends, teammates, coaches and loved ones.

“The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time,” the statement said.

Ateneo said it is providing support to the families of both players, as well as to their teammates and others in the university community affected by the heartbreaking loss.

“The University is providing support to the families of Rene and Divine, as well as to their teammates and members of the Ateneo community affected by this tragedy,” the school said. “We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss.”

The university said details about the wake and funeral arrangements will be announced once they are finalized with the families.

Tributes quickly began pouring in online after news of the players’ deaths spread. Many people expressed heartbreak over the loss of two young athletes, while others demanded more answers about how the tragedy happened during an official school activity.

“Two young lives were lost. This tragedy deserves a full and transparent investigation. What actions will Ateneo take after this?” one person wrote on X.

Another user wrote, “First. RIP to the victims. Second. Where is the statement ‘the incident will be under investigation’? Though we sympathise with the victims’ family and community, THERE MUST BE AN INVESTIGATION!”