Ateneo Drowning Tragedy: Father Seeks Answers Amid Alarming Allegations

Ateneo Drowning Tragedy: Father Seeks Answers Amid Alarming Allegations

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 15, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The tragic drowning deaths of Divine Adili, a promising Ateneo de Manila University basketball center, and incoming rookie Rene Baterbonia in Dipaculao have sparked profound grief and an intense demand for accountability. Thousands of miles away in Nigeria, Elias Adili, Divine’s father, grapples with the unbearable loss of his eldest son—a primary financial support for his family—and vehemently questions the safety protocols surrounding the incident.

Elias Adili recounted his last conversations with Divine, who eagerly anticipated an Ateneo training camp. A devastating call on June 8 confirmed Divine’s death. “I was so disheartened and disappointed,” Elias stated, citing perceived neglect of critical safety measures, including the absence of life jackets, failure to assess players’ swimming abilities, and disregard for local weather conditions. Divine, 21, was a rising star with two MVP awards from New Era University before joining Ateneo. His inconsolable mother, Ifeoma Joy Adili, and family await the repatriation of his remains.

Investigation Intensifies; Explosive Accusations Emerge

The Nigerian Embassy in Manila officially expressed sorrow over the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, extending condolences to both families. The Embassy confirmed reports of three student-athletes caught in a strong sea current, with one survivor. While no foul play has been officially indicated, the Embassy supports a transparent investigation by Philippine authorities and is providing consular assistance for Adili’s family, including arranging an autopsy and repatriation.

Simultaneously, multiple Philippine government agencies have launched investigations

CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) has subpoenaed Ateneo coaches and players present at the tragedy, probing potential violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (RA 11053). They have also requested an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Ateneo Coach Tab Baldwin to monitor his potential departure from the country, following a similar request from the Baterbonia family’s lawyer.

NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) is focusing on potential criminal negligence, clarifying that initial “no foul play” reports only rule out intentional harm, not negligence.

DOJ (Department of Justice) is involved in the overall investigation.

The controversy deepened with startling social media posts from Giota Kalogirou, stepdaughter of Ateneo Coach Tab Baldwin. Kalogirou, addressing Ateneo men’s basketball team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo on X, wrote: “@epokquimps remember how you were laughing when we told you Tab was DANGEROUS to kids. Remember laughing at my mom? Remember putting him inside the Ateneo dorms and us begging you to take him out? Now you have two funerals to explain.”

These remarks followed a video statement from Efi Baldwin, Tab Baldwin’s estranged wife. Efi claimed she repeatedly warned Ateneo University officials since early 2020 that “children are not safe around him,” urging them to remove him from campus. She alleged her warnings were met with “intimidation and silencing.” Efi directly addressed the parents of the deceased, stating, “Rovelyn and Elias, the deaths of your kids were not only predictable but preventable.”

The tragic deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia have escalated into a multi-faceted crisis, demanding not only answers regarding safety protocols but also addressing grave allegations against a prominent figure within Ateneo’s athletic program. 

The families and the public await clarity, justice, and accountability. These new accusations raise critical questions about whether earlier serious warnings were thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed by the university.

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