Ateneo de Manila University released a public statement on Monday appealing to the family of the late student-athlete Rene Baterbonia to meet with school officials, responding to recent comments from his mother expressing lingering pain and resentment over the university’s response to his death.
Recognizing the ongoing grief of Rene’s mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, following her recent interview, the university reiterated its willingness to hear the family’s concerns and provide help.
“It is heartbreaking to see the deep pain and loss the Baterbonia family continues to endure, as reflected in Mrs. Rovelyn Baterbonia’s recent podcast interview,” the university stated.
Ateneo stated that it has maintained support for the families of both Baterbonia and fellow athlete Divine Adili, who both died on June 8 during an off-campus team-building event in Dipaculao, Aurora.
“Since the tragic loss of Rene and Divine last June 8, we have continued our efforts to provide support to their families and loved ones, much of it quietly out of respect for their privacy and their need to grieve in the way they know best,” Ateneo said.
The school noted that University President Fr. Bobby Yap personally attended Rene’s wake in Manila on multiple occasions to offer condolences, apologies, pray, celebrate Holy Mass, and offer assistance.
However, after Rene’s remains were transferred to his hometown in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, the family requested space as they observed the 40th day following his passing.
“The family asked us to afford them the space they needed… We respected their request. Since then, we have repeated our request to meet with them but, so far, have not been given a chance to do so,” the statement read.
Because private outreach attempts went unanswered, Ateneo opted to issue an open request to re-establish contact with the family.
“We take this opportunity to reach out once again to the Baterbonia family, this time publicly, in the hope that we can finally sit down with them again, listen to them, provide the answers we can, and extend whatever care or support they may need,” the university added. “We remain here for them, whenever they are ready.”
The public appeal follows comments from Rovelyn, who stated she has not forgiven the institution due to a perceived lack of respect toward her family. She questioned the circumstances of her son’s death, asking why he was not saved despite knowing how to swim and calling for help.
She also expressed disappointment over the handling of his remains, alleging that no school representatives accompanied them to the funeral parlor, and criticized the delayed disclosure of details surrounding the June 8 tragedy, which remains subject to investigation.
“Respeto lang yung gusto kong kunin sa kanila,” Rovelyn stated, explaining why she finds it difficult to forgive the university.