DIPACULAO, Aurora — Ateneo de Manila University basketball player Rene Baterbonia died of asphyxia by drowning during a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, the Aurora Provincial Police Office said Wednesday.
Aurora police chief Col. Percival Pineda said the result came from the certificate of post-mortem examination.
Baterbonia and three companions entered a coastal area with water at hip level, approximately 300 meters from a beach resort, at around 2:40 p.m. on Monday, according to police.
Police said the activity formed part of the team’s training when a current swept the group away.
Two of the individuals were rescued, while Baterbonia and teammate Divine Adili were recovered approximately 30 to 40 minutes later and given first aid before being declared dead.
Pineda said responders found the victims about five arm spans from the shore.
The police earlier ruled out foul play in the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
Authorities have not released a post-mortem result for Adili.
In a separate statement, Ateneo said Adili’s family requested the return of his remains to Nigeria in accordance with cultural practices, and the university said it is awaiting clearance to proceed with arrangements.
Baterbonia, 19, recently competed in the Palarong Pambansa finals and had committed to Ateneo’s Blue Eagles program. Adili, 21, played in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.