Aurora Police Provincial Director PCOL. Percival Pineda has confirmed that there was no foul play found in the drowning of Ateneo de Manila University basketball athletes, though the investigation into the incident will continue.

The Philippine National Police has also released the medico-legal results for one of the victims. Rene Batermonia, one of the Ateneo de Manila University basketball athletes who drowned in Aurora, died of asphyxia by drowning, based on the results released by the PNP.

Aurora Police Provincial Director PCOL. Pineda said their investigation does not end there. The PNP will also look into possible negligence on the part of the coaching staff, after reports that the resort owner had warned the group about the safe areas, but the coaching staff allegedly told them not to be interfered with.

"Nung unang dating nila nag-uusap ito kundisyon ng dagat sa tapat — shores — alam natin sitwasyon. Pero yung team humirit na huwag sila pakialamanan sa kanilang activity. Kaya nung lumayo sila doon, nangyari yung insidente."

[When they first arrived, they were discussing the sea conditions in front — the shores — we know the situation. But the team insisted they should not be interfered with in their activity. So when they moved away from there, the incident happened."]

Based on the PNP investigation, the group was wading in the sea at waist-deep water at around 2:30 in the afternoon when Batermonia and another victim were suddenly swept away by strong waves.

"Ito pong dalampasigan ng Aurora ay may mga part diyan — dahil sa current, hanggang tuhod yung tubig. Pero naglakad ka ng konti, bigla ka nang lubog. Kaya base sa aming pakikipag-usap sa surfers..."

[The shoreline of Aurora has certain areas where — due to the current — the water is only knee-deep. But if you walk a little further, you suddenly go under. This is based on our conversations with surfers."]

The two victims were also not found immediately.

"Base sa statement ng MDRRMO, nasa around 30 to 40 minutes yung ginawa nilang search."

["Based on the statement of the MDRRMO, their search took around 30 to 40 minutes."]

The PNP reiterated that no foul play was found in the incident. Col. Pineda also said no weights were found on the bodies of the victims when they were recovered, based on the sworn statements of the MDRRMO and the lifeguard who were first to respond.

"Base sa affidavit ng lifeguard, ay wala pong napansin na pabigat sa paa, kamay nung player. Sabi ng taga-MDRRMO, wala kaming nakitang pabigat sa paa at kamay at walang pasa nung binigyan ng paunang lunas."

["Based on the affidavit of the lifeguard, no weights were found on the feet or hands of the player. The MDRRMO representative said they found no weights on the feet and hands, and no bruises when first aid was administered."]

The two victims and other Ateneo de Manila University basketball athletes were at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora for a team-building activity, which the group reportedly conducts regularly.

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