Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, shed tears during a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing on Thursday as he spoke about the tragic deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
During the inquiry, Yap pledged the university’s continuous assistance to the grieving families and strongly denounced the cyberbullying aimed at the survivors of the Dipaculao, Aurora tragedy.
Recalling the June 8 incident, a visibly shaken Yap offered a sincere apology to the relatives of the victims.
“To their families, I once again express my deepest sorrow and my sincerest apologies for everything they have had to endure since June 8. Nothing we say or do today can ever lessen the pain of losing a son,” he said.
Yap outlined the university’s relief efforts, which involved coordinating logistical and spiritual aid, assisting in transporting the victims’ remains, and helping send Adili’s body back to Nigeria.
He noted that these initiatives were purposely kept confidential out of respect for the families’ privacy and grief.
“We know that none of these efforts can ever fill the void left by Rene and Divine, or change what has happened, or ease the immeasurable loss their families continue to bear,” he added, his voice faltering as he spoke.
The top official also condemned the intense public scrutiny and online harassment directed at the surviving athletes and staff, warning that the digital backlash only worsens the trauma of the survivors.
“Our support for those affected does not diminish our commitment to care for every member of our community while the legal processes are ongoing,” Yap noted.
Addressing the investigation, Yap called for a measured approach.
While acknowledging the public’s clamor for quick answers, he maintained that the university must prioritize an accurate and objective probe to ensure such an incident never happens again.
“We hear our community’s frustrations and understand the demand for swift action. We share that sense of urgency, but we also owe it to everyone affected by this tragedy to make decisions based on verified facts,” he said.
Yap concluded his testimony by promising Ateneo’s complete cooperation with the Senate investigation, adding that the institution will continue offering mental health support to its community while allowing the legal process to take its course.