THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHED) has launched a fact-finding and administrative review following the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

CHED expressed its condolences to the families, teammates, and the entire Ateneo community, describing the incident as a tragedy that warrants a thorough, impartial, and immediate investigation.

According to CHED, the agency has already initiated accountability measures and requested the information and explanations necessary to determine responsibility and assess compliance with existing policies and standards on student welfare and safety.

The commission directed Ateneo to submit a comprehensive incident report and convened a meeting with university officials.

Based on information presented during the meeting, the incident occurred during an off-season team-building and training camp involving 24 student-athletes and seven adult supervisors, consisting of coaches and staff members of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team.

CHED emphasized that the safety and welfare of students must never be compromised.

“The Commission will pursue the truth without exception, ensure that accountability is imposed where warranted, and require corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. No institution, official, or individual responsible for student welfare is exempt from accountability,” CHED said.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that higher education institutions uphold the highest standards of care, supervision, and responsibility in protecting the lives and well-being of students.