Manila: The family of Divine Adili, one of the two Ateneo student-athletes who tragically drowned in Aurora province, has requested an autopsy before the repatriation of his remains, according to the Nigerian Embassy in Manila. The embassy disclosed this development, emphasizing that it has not yet received any official report from authorities suggesting foul play in the incident.
According to Philippines News Agency, Adili, aged 21, and his fellow basketball player Rene Clert Baterbonia, aged 19, died on Monday after drowning during a team-building activity in Dipaculao. The embassy further noted that three student-athletes were reportedly caught in the strong sea current, with the third individual managing to survive.
The embassy assured Nigerians that relevant Philippine authorities have initiated investigations into the incident, while other stakeholders are reviewing the circumstances leading to the tragedy. "At this stage, the Embassy has not received any official information suggesting foul play. Nevertheless, the Mission fully supports all legitimate efforts aimed at establishing the facts and ensuring transparency in the investigative process," the embassy stated.
The embassy also acknowledged the growing concern about the incident's circumstances and advised the Nigerian community to avoid speculation and sharing unverified information on social media.
Senators Robinhood Padilla and Bam Aquino are pushing for a Senate inquiry into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili. Padilla's resolution calls for a review of policies on supervision, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and crisis response, especially for potentially hazardous school activities. Meanwhile, Aquino filed a similar measure seeking stronger safeguards, accountability, and transparency.
Padilla expressed the importance of establishing the truth and ensuring such incidents do not recur. He personally visited Baterbonia's wake in Quezon City past midnight Thursday. Aquino echoed the need for a careful and impartial examination of the tragedy, highlighting the necessity of identifying any systemic shortcomings and enhancing student protection during off-campus activities.
As the issue continues to capture public attention, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged netizens to refrain from speculating and spreading unverified information regarding the incident. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed the importance of respecting the families involved and trusting the ongoing investigative process. He assured the public that the case is being handled using evidence-based and forensic procedures and that investigators are diligently working to uncover the facts surrounding the incident.
