Malacañang on Thursday called for a prompt investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes of the Ateneo de Manila University amid reports and speculation surrounding the circumstances of their deaths.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants authorities to immediately determine the facts behind the incident.

“Unang-una po, of course, nakikiramay po tayo sa pangyayaring ito at ang nais din po ng Pangulo, hindi lamang po ‘to sa sitwasyon na ganito pero sa lahat po ng mga Pilipino na napupunta sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon – dapat pong agaran ang pag-iimbestiga (First of all, we extend our condolences over this incident, and the President’s directive, not only in situations like this but in all similar cases involving Filipinos, is that investigations must be conducted immediately),” Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Ateneo announced the passing of two of its men’s basketball players, 19-year-old Rene Clert Baterbonia and 21-year-old Nigerian Divine Adili, in a tragic drowning incident Monday afternoon during a Blue Eagles’ team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Asked about reports circulating on social media alleging that the incident may have involved hazing rather than a training activity, Castro said authorities should allow the investigation to establish the facts.

“Kailangan po talaga ng agarang pag-iimbestiga rito dahil hindi po naging maganda ang naging resulta ng sinasabing training. Of course, hindi po natin kailangang i-preempt or mag-pre-judge dito so kailangan po talaga ng agarang imbestigasyon (There must be an immediate investigation because the reported training did not end well. We should not preempt or prejudge the matter, which is why a thorough investigation is necessary),” she said.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has formed a multi-stakeholder panel to assist efforts aimed at establishing a comprehensive account of the incident and review existing athlete safety measures.

The National Bureau of investigation and the Philippine National Police are now looking deeper into the incident.

The two student-athletes were reportedly swimming when they were “carried away by the current”, the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) said, citing information gathered so far by investigators.

Police said personnel of the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station immediately responded to the incident and coordinated with concerned agencies to provide assistance.

The victims were rushed to a medical facility but were later declared dead by the attending physician. (PNA)