The Philippine Sports Commission is giving P250,000 each to the families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the two Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball players who drowned during a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday, June 8.

PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio announced the aid on Wednesday, June 10, saying it's government help for the families' immediate needs.

The players were part of a Blue Eagles group that, based on initial police investigation, was wading in thigh-deep water when they suddenly stepped into a deeper section and got swept away by strong currents.

Gregorio also revealed that the PSC has formed a sports stakeholders' panel to investigate the deaths. The panel includes the UAAP, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Commission on Higher Education, and National Youth Commission.

"Athletic excellence must be pursued within systems that are safe, accountable, and worthy of public trust. Let the memory of Rene and Divine fuel our resolve to exact accountability where it is due, to protect our athletes, and to make sure that this tragedy never happens again," the stakeholders said in a statement.

The panel plans to establish "more robust safety standards, risk management protocols, and emergency response capabilities across all level of sports."

It's also backing House Bill 2631 or the Sports Coaching Act, which would create a national accreditation system for coaches. "Coaches wield tremendous influence over the lives and development of athletes. We must do our part to ensure that they are not only empowered to lead, but also educated, trained, and held to standards that promote athlete safety, welfare, and responsible coaching practices," the stakeholders said.

Under head coach Tab Baldwin, the Blue Eagles have held similar team building activities in Aurora for years. Former Ateneo standouts said the trips test players' will and camaraderie. Ateneo has won four UAAP championships since Baldwin took over in 2015.

But Gregorio made it clear that the PSC doesn't approve of the activity's format. "Definitely, that is not in the policy of the Philippine Sports Commission. And I'm sure it's not in the policy of the UAAP either. That is not in the policy of the Palarong Pambansa or any of the national sports associations. That is maybe the philosophy of a program that is in place. That is their style and their prerogative," he said.

"But having said that, what's important is now we are given the opportunity to review where the loopholes are in the policies of each agency."

The drownings have sparked calls for accountability and stricter safety rules for school sports activities. The panel's investigation is ongoing.