Joey Reyes attested to how dangerous this specific area in Dipaculao, Aurora, is
Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman and director Joey Reyes revealed that the area in Dipaculao, Aurora, where Ateneo de Manila University Men’s Basketball Team members Rene Clert Baterbonia (19) and Divine Adili (21) drowned was the same area where his driver died back in 2022.
Based on an official statement from the university, the Ateneo men’s basketball squad was holding a team building in Dipaculao, Aurora, and unfortunately, Rene and Divine passed away after drowning on Monday, June 8.
Many speculations have surfaced online about the incident, especially since the school has been sparing in detail about what happened to the two student-athletes.
Based on the article from GMA Entertainment, Direk Joey’s driver died in Dipaculao, 4 years ago. At that time, the director was filming his sultry movie Secrets featuring VMX stars Benz Sangalang, Felix Roco, Janelle Tee, and Denise Esteban.
Direk Joey recalled the incident in his comment on the Facebook post of Cathy Babao-Sanchez, the daughter of veteran actress Caridad Sanchez, talking about the controversial drowning incident.
In his comment, Direk Joey said it was where his driver died in 2022. “I know the place where the two players died: this was exactly the same place where my driver drowned in 2022 on our final day of shooting a project,” he shared.
He also said that the place is notoriously known for taking lives each year, and it is because of its “vicious undertow and gigantic waves from the open seas.” The director stressed that locals don’t swim in that area because of the unpredictability of the water’s behavior.
“That is why when one of my friends messaged me asking where in Aurora my driver died as we ended shooting, I was shocked to learn that this was where these promising young athletes perished under similar conditions,” he said.
For him, there should have been greater examination and assessment regarding the choice of venue for a training activity.
With what happened, the director said, “Now all we can do is to pray for strength on the part of these devastated parents who only wished a better and brighter future for their sons.”
Cathy agreed with what Direk Joey said. She also suggested that there should be legislation banning the open water training for student athletes, and this should be implemented in the whole country. It is because she believes that danger lurks beneath the beautiful waters in the Philippines.
