Camille Naredo

Ateneo De Manila University. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

Ateneo De Manila University. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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SCHOOLS-UNIVERSITIES

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178221949481220221012-ateneo-admu-logo-MD-6687.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Ateneo De Manila University. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File"/>Ateneo De Manila University. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA — The Commission on Higher Education on Tuesday said it has issued a show cause order to the Ateneo de Manila University to explain the circumstances behind the drowning of two of its student-athletes.Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili died in a drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8, while the Ateneo men&#x27;s basketball team was conducting a team-building activity.In a <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://web.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1604664605032840&amp;id=100064679467158&amp;mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;rdid=2bA5tpQFZL9Nodxp&amp;_rdc=1&amp;_rdr#">statement</a>, CHED said it has directed Ateneo to submit an incident report as early as June 9, or a day after the incident, but “the University failed to provide the required records and information.”As such, CHED issued a show cause order to Ateneo on June 16, wherein it mandates the University to submit a written explanation under oath within 10 days from the receipt of the SCO.The University must likewise explain why CHED should not impose appropriate sanctions for alleged violations of CHED orders regarding conduct of off-campus activities, Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, and its alleged failure to exercise reasonable supervision over its students in loco parentis.“CHED remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting student welfare and upholding standards across the higher education sector. Institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and safety requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities,” CHED added.<div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/22/ateneo-observes-40-day-mourning-period-following-adili-baterbonia-deaths-2359">Ateneo observes 40-day mourning period following Adili, Baterbonia deaths</a></div>Last Friday, Ateneo formed the Task Force on Reforming the University Athletics led by Fr. Roberto Exequiel Rivera SJ to conduct a rigorous review of the athletics program.  The University had earlier accepted the resignation of Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo a week after the tragedy. Several law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident with current and former Ateneo players, as well as the coaching staff receiving subpoenas.  Baldwin <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/23/tab-baldwin-appears-before-nbi-1404">appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation</a> on Tuesday.The remains of Baterbonia have since returned to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, while the body of Adili has <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/22/divine-adili-s-remains-flown-back-to-nigeria-1755">been flown back to his home country of Nigeria</a>.

The Commission on Higher Education on Tuesday said it has issued a show cause order, to Ateneo de Manila University to explain the circumstances behind the drowning of two of its students.

The Commission on Higher Education on Tuesday said it has issued a show cause order, to Ateneo de Manila University to explain the circumstances behind the drowning of two of its students.

CHED issues show cause order vs Ateneo over student-athletes' deaths

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CHED issues show cause order vs Ateneo over student-athletes' deaths

ABS-CBN News

Published June 23, 2026 09:05 PM PHT

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CHED

Commission on Higher Education

Ateneo de Manila University

ADMU

Rene Baterbonia

Divine Adili

show cause order

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