The family of Divine Adili, one of the two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes who died in a drowning incident in Aurora province, has requested an autopsy before the repatriation of his remains, the Nigerian Embassy in Manila said.
In a statement released Wednesday, the embassy said it has not received any official report from Philippine authorities indicating foul play in the incident.
Adili, 21, and fellow basketball player Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, died on Monday after drowning during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
A third student-athlete was reportedly caught in a strong sea current but survived.
The embassy said relevant Philippine authorities have already begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, along with other stakeholders reviewing what happened.
“We wish to assure Nigerians that the relevant Philippine authorities have commenced investigations, while other stakeholders are likewise reviewing the circumstances leading to the tragedy,” it said.
“At this stage, the Embassy has not received any official information suggesting foul play. Nevertheless, the Mission fully supports all legitimate efforts aimed at establishing the facts and ensuring transparency in the investigative process,” it added.
The embassy also urged the Nigerian community to avoid speculation and refrain from spreading unverified information online, noting growing public concern over the incident.
Meanwhile, senators are seeking a formal inquiry into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, citing the need to review safety protocols for school-related outdoor activities.
Senator Robinhood Padilla filed a resolution calling for a review of supervision, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and crisis response measures in potentially hazardous activities such as aquatic and outdoor programs.
Senator Bam Aquino also filed a similar measure, pushing for stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms in school-led activities.
“Napakasakit ng nangyari kina Rene at Divine. Ang layunin natin ay hindi ang agad na maghanap ng masisisi, kundi alamin ang katotohanan, tukuyin ang pagkukulang, at tiyaking hindi na ito mauulit,” Padilla said.
Padilla visited Baterbonia’s wake in Quezon City past midnight on Thursday.
Aquino, meanwhile, said the incident must be thoroughly and impartially examined.
“Kailangan nating malaman kung may pagkukulang sa sistema at kung paano mas mapoprotektahan ang ating mga estudyante sa mga aktibidad na ginagawa sa labas ng paaralan,” he said.
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