Ateneo de Manila University has committed to providing ongoing assistance to the families, teammates, and coaches of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who tragically drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora province.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, June 9, the university expressed its deep sorrow and solidarity with the grieving families and the entire campus community.
“The Ateneo de Manila University continues to mourn the tragic loss of our student-athletes, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili,” the university said.
The remains of both athletes were transferred early Tuesday from the Aurora Memorial Hospital to the Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City. At the request of Baterbonia’s parents, an autopsy will be performed. The university is currently coordinating this process with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, personally welcomed Baterbonia’s family upon their arrival from Davao City and joined them in prayer at the wake.
Meanwhile, Adili’s family has requested that his remains be repatriated to Nigeria, adhering to their family and cultural traditions. Ateneo is currently helping secure the necessary documentation for the international transfer.
The university also disclosed that members and coaches of the Ateneo men’s basketball team have undergone psychological first aid and counseling upon their return from Aurora. Recognizing that healing takes time, the institution emphasized its long-term commitment to their well-being.
“The emotional impact of this tragedy extends beyond a single session,” the university said, adding that continued counseling and mental health support will be provided in the coming weeks.
While authorities have initially classified the drownings as accidental, official investigations into the exact circumstances of the incident are still underway.