THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday announced that it has issued a show cause order (SCO) against Ateneo de Manila University for its alleged failure to submit an incident report and supporting documents related to the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In the order, CHED directed Ateneo to explain within 10 days from receipt why it should not face appropriate sanctions for allegedly violating regulations governing off-campus activities and for its purported failure to exercise reasonable supervision over its students under the principle of in loco parentis.

“CHED remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting student welfare and upholding standards across the higher education sector,” the agency said in a statement.

“Institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and safety requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities,” it added.

According to CHED, Ateneo was instructed on June 9 to submit an incident report, a certificate of compliance, and other relevant documents. However, the university allegedly failed to comply with the directive.

“In the exercise of its regulatory authority, the Commission issued a show cause order on June 16. CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed,” the agency said.

It added that higher education institutions are expected to fully cooperate with regulatory processes, particularly in cases involving student safety and welfare.

Baterbonia and Adili died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The development comes a day after former Ateneo men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in connection with the deaths of the two players.

Baldwin later apologized to the victims’ families, but Baterbonia’s mother said an apology alone was not enough.

Baldwin and former team manager Epok Quimpo have since resigned from their posts.