Ateneo de Manila University Issues Show-Cause Order for June Drowning Deaths

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show-cause order to Ateneo de Manila University over the drowning of two students during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The incident occurred on June 8 when 18-year-old Rene Baterbonia and 21-year-old Divine Adili drowned in the waters. Several other players were also endangered by the strong rip currents. The CHED said it has made "repeated requests" for the submission of documents and records related to the incident but Ateneo failed to comply.

According to the CHED, Ateneo was required to submit an incident report, a certificate of compliance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63 (s. 2017), and documents required under Article V of CMO No. 6 (s. 2026). Article V deals with the guidelines on initiation rites of student organizations.

Ateneo will have to explain why the CHED should not impose sanctions against it for alleged violations of guidelines on the conduct of off-campus activities, the anti-hazing policy, and its alleged failure to exercise reasonable supervision over its students.

The CHED issued the show-cause order to Ateneo on June 16, a week after the commission directed the university to submit the required documents. The commission said institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and safety requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities.

The remains of Baterbonia were brought to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, on June 16. He will be laid to rest on Wednesday, June 23. The remains of Adili were repatriated to her home country on Monday, June 22.

The CHED required Ateneo to submit a written explanation under oath within 10 days from receipt of the show-cause order. Ateneo will have to explain why the CHED should not impose sanctions against it for alleged violations of guidelines on the conduct of off-campus activities, the anti-hazing policy, and its alleged failure to exercise reasonable supervision over its students.

In a statement, the CHED said it made "repeated requests" for the submission of the documents but Ateneo failed to provide the required records and information. The CHED said it cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed.