The proposed inquiry in aid of legislation aims to examine existing policies, safety protocols, and training practices governing athletic training environments, with the end in view of strengthening safeguards and welfare protections for student-athletes nationwide.
“The safety and well-being of our athletes must always come first. While sports help develop discipline, teamwork, and excellence among our youth, we must also ensure that every training activity and team-building exercise is conducted under adequate safety measures and proper supervision,” Go said.
The resolution cited the June 8 incident involving members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, in which Baterbonia and Adili reportedly drowned after being carried by a strong current into deeper waters during a team-building activity.
According to initial findings released by the Police Regional Office 3, the two athletes were swept away by strong currents, resulting in a tragedy that shocked the Philippine sports community.
Adili, 21, was a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles roster in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88, averaging 8.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 11 games.
Baterbonia, 18, recently represented Davao in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur and was hailed as the 2025 Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player. He was preparing to join the Ateneo lineup for UAAP Season 89.
Go expressed his condolences to the families, teammates, coaches, and loved ones of the two athletes, emphasizing that their untimely passing serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize athlete safety in all sports-related activities.
“Ako ay lubos na nakikiramay sa mga naulilang pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay nina Rene Clert Baterbonia at Divine Adili, na nasawi sa kasagsagan ng kanilang basketball training sa Dipaculao, Aurora noong Hunyo 8. Bilang isang atleta at basketball player mula pa noong aking kabataan, masakit para sa akin ang pangyayaring ito,” he expressed.
Go noted that developments in the ongoing investigation further highlight the need for a Senate inquiry.
Baterbonia's remains have since been brought to his hometown in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur at 8:00 AM on June 15.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced on June 15 that it is looking into the possibility that the deaths may involve homicide or violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
During a press briefing, CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Rodriguez Morico II disclosed that investigators are expanding the scope of their probe based on information gathered from ongoing interviews.
"What can I say right now is the investigation is now turned into a possible homicide investigation... which is possibly a violation of Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. It depends po doon sa ongoing na interview namin na tinatanggap sa mga players," Morico said.
Furthermore, the Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin did not appear before the CIDG during its fact-finding investigation into the incident. Baldwin, along with assistant coach Epok Quimpo, later stepped down from their respective positions, with ADMU administration subsequently accepting their resignations.
The senator also noted that while many schools implement their own safety policies, there remains no comprehensive and uniform national framework specifically addressing risk management, emergency medical preparedness, and coach and staff responsibilities, among others, during team-building activities and training camps.
Through the proposed inquiry, Go seeks to identify additional legislation needed to establish minimum safety standards and accountability mechanisms.
“The objective of this inquiry is not only to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident but also to determine what measures can be put in place to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. We owe it to our athletes and their families to ensure that their safety is always protected,” he stressed.
The resolution also recognized ongoing efforts by the Philippine Sports Commission, which has announced plans to convene sports stakeholders, including the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the UAAP, the Commission on Higher Education, and the National Youth Commission, to review the incident and discuss preventive measures.
Go underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, sports associations, and other stakeholders in crafting policies that will foster a culture of safety and accountability in Philippine sports.
“As we continue to promote sports development in the country, we must also strengthen our commitment to athlete welfare. No athlete, parent, or family should have to endure a tragedy that could have been prevented through proper safeguards and preparedness,” Go concluded.
Senator Bong Go
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