Ateneo Coach Leaves Country Amid Aurora Investigation

According to an initial report by Dianne Sampang of INQUIRER.net, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Ateneo de Manila University strength and conditioning coach Grant Dearns departed the Philippines on June 10, two days after the drowning incident that claimed the lives of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The confirmation comes as several government agencies continue separate investigations into the June 8 team-building activity involving members of the Ateneo men’s basketball program. Authorities have emphasized that all inquiries remain ongoing, while prosecutors have yet to determine whether criminal charges will ultimately be filed.

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Bureau of Immigration Confirms Dearns’ Departure Records

The Bureau of Immigration clarified that its participation is limited to verifying official travel records requested during the ongoing investigation. Immigration officials have not indicated that the agency is conducting a separate inquiry into the incident.

BI Says Dearns Left the Philippines on June 10

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that Dearns has an outbound immigration record showing his departure from the Philippines.

“Yes, he left the country.”

Sandoval also explained that immigration authorities could formally provide travel information if investigators requested official assistance.

“Unable to share the details lang, but if needed, we would be able to submit it to the proper authorities to help with the investigation.”

The bureau did not disclose Dearns’ destination or additional travel information because of existing privacy and legal restrictions.

Multiple Government Agencies Continue Aurora Investigation

The investigation has expanded beyond the initial police response, with several government agencies conducting separate fact-finding and legal reviews. Authorities continue gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating circumstances surrounding the June 8 team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Incident Claimed Two Ateneo Student-Athletes

The tragedy occurred during an off-campus team-building and conditioning activity attended by members of the Ateneo men’s basketball program.

The victims were identified as:

• Rene Clert Baterbonia
• Divine Adili

The incident prompted investigations involving:

• Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

Separate administrative and institutional reviews have also continued alongside the criminal investigations.

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CIDG Recommends Filing Hazing Complaints

Investigators from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group later recommended filing hazing complaints against several individuals connected with the basketball program. That recommendation represents one stage of the legal process and does not establish criminal liability or guilt.

Recommendation Remains Subject to Prosecutorial Review

According to investigators, the recommendation includes Grant Dearns, former Ateneo head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin, and several other team officials and staff members.

Philippine prosecutors must independently evaluate available evidence before deciding whether formal criminal charges should proceed in court. All individuals identified during the investigation remain entitled to due process and the legal presumption of innocence unless proven guilty through judicial proceedings.

Interior Secretary Explains Basis for CIDG Recommendation

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously discussed why investigators considered possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act during their inquiry. His remarks described the investigative theory being examined and should not be interpreted as judicial findings or legal conclusions.

Officials Cite Conditions Encountered During the Activity

According to Remulla, investigators believe the traditional interpretation of hazing may extend beyond initiation rites under certain factual circumstances.

“The past concept of hazing was limited to just initiations.”

He added:

“The team building and training activity crossed over into hazing.”

Remulla also described environmental conditions investigators believe existed during the activity.

“The victims were exposed to a hazardous open-sea environment characterized by rip currents, strong waves and varying seabed depths.”

Government officials have consistently emphasized that courts, rather than investigators, will ultimately determine whether evidence supports any criminal allegations.

NBI Continues Fact-Finding Investigation

The National Bureau of Investigation continues conducting its own inquiry alongside other government agencies examining the Aurora tragedy. Investigators have emphasized that evidence collection remains ongoing, while no final prosecutorial findings have been announced.

Authorities Continue Gathering Testimony and Evidence

The report noted that Dearns had been expected to appear before the NBI’s Homicide Division as investigators continued their inquiry. Authorities continue collecting witness statements, documentary evidence, and technical findings to establish a complete account of the incident. Multiple agencies remain involved as investigators determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support possible criminal complaints.

Athlete Safety Review Expands Across Philippine Collegiate Sports

The deaths of two collegiate athletes have prompted broader discussions extending beyond the Ateneo basketball program and ongoing investigations. Sports leaders, universities, and athletic organizations have renewed conversations regarding athlete welfare, emergency preparedness, and institutional accountability during high-risk activities.

Universities Reassess Safety Protocols

Off-campus training camps remain common across Philippine collegiate sports because they strengthen conditioning, leadership, and team cohesion before competitive seasons. Following the Aurora tragedy, many observers have called for stronger safety standards involving open-water activities and other high-risk environments.

Areas receiving increased attention include:

• Comprehensive risk assessments before off-campus activities
• Certified water safety and emergency response personnel
• Clearly defined supervision responsibilities
• Standardized emergency action protocols
• Improved communication with athletes and families
• Regular safety training for coaching and support staff

Regardless of the investigation’s outcome, the incident has already intensified nationwide discussions regarding athlete protection and institutional responsibility.

Industry Analysis: Advancing Athlete Welfare and Safety

Major incidents involving collegiate athletics often influence institutional policies long before courts issue final legal decisions. Universities, governing bodies, and athletic organizations frequently review safety procedures immediately after high-profile tragedies to strengthen risk management and protect student-athletes.

Internationally, similar incidents have led sports organizations to introduce stricter emergency planning requirements, mandatory risk assessments, certified safety personnel, and clearer operational accountability during off-campus activities. Depending on the findings of Philippine investigators, collegiate athletic programs could implement comparable reforms that strengthen athlete welfare while preserving the educational and developmental objectives of team-building activities.

Source Note: This article is based on the original reporting of Dianne Sampang for INQUIRER.net, supplemented with publicly available official statements and contextual reporting available at the time of publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Grant Dearns leave the Philippines?

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Dearns departed the Philippines on June 10, 2026, based on official travel records.

Why is Grant Dearns connected to the investigation?

Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the June 8 team-building activity involving Ateneo men’s basketball personnel in Aurora.

Have criminal charges been filed against Grant Dearns?

No. At publication, the CIDG had recommended filing complaints, but prosecutors had not announced any formal charges.

Which government agencies are investigating the Aurora incident?

The investigation involves the Philippine National Police, CIDG, National Bureau of Investigation, and other relevant government authorities.

What role did the Bureau of Immigration play?

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed Dearns’ departure through official travel records and may assist investigators upon formal request.

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