CHED orders Ateneo to explain failure to submit documents on drowning incident

Mikaela Ariar, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
June 24, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CHED

PHILIPPINES – Ateneo de Manila University has been given a show-cause order by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for allegedly neglecting to provide documentation regarding the drowning deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili on June 8 during a basketball team-building exercise in Aurora.

CHED stated they asked multiple times for an incident report, compliance certificates, and other records needed under regulations covering off-campus activities as well as anti-hazing policies. However, in spite of repeated follow-ups by its National Capital Region office, the school reportedly did not provide the documents, causing the commission’s issuance of the order on June 16.

Ateneo has ten days from the date of receipt of the show-cause order to provide a sworn written justification for why sanctions shouldn’t be applied for potential CHED rule infractions and its purported inability to provide adequate student supervision. Institutions are expected to fully participate in inquiries pertaining to student safety and accountability, particularly in cases involving fatalities, CHED stressed.