Manila: A member of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education has urged higher education institutions (HEIs) to review their processes to ensure students' safety during extra-curricular activities, especially outside campus. 'In light of the unfortunate and untimely deaths of Ateneo basketball team members Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, now is the time for universities and colleges to revisit their protocols regarding in- and off-campus extra-curricular activities,' Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos said in a statement Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bernos emphasized the responsibility of educational institutions to protect students. She reminded HEIs that families have entrusted the lives and welfare of students to them, and it is crucial to ensure their safety from harm. Bernos also called on the Commission on Higher Education to collaborate with experts and HEIs to develop updated protocols for such activities.

Baterbonia and Adili drowned on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. According to police reports, the Ateneo team was allegedly warned about sea conditions and declined supervision during their activity as they moved about 300 meters away from the resort where they were billeted.

Bernos expressed dismay at what she identified as lapses of the team's supervisors and supported a thorough investigation into the matter. 'Should the team's supervisors be found to have been negligent in their duties, they should be made accountable,' she said. The House is set to conduct a formal inquiry into the deaths of the two student-athletes.