The university has since said they will review the circumstances of the incident.
In a statement on Monday, June 8, the Ateneo de Manila University confirmed the passing of two members of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Men’s Basketball Team, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
According to the educational institution, the student-athletes died following a drowning incident that happened during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora that same afternoon.
“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine,” it told. “The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time.”
They also said that they will also provide support to the families of Rene and Divine and their teammates and members of the Ateneo community who were affected by this tragedy.
“We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss,” ADMU continued.
“As a community, we mourn with the families and loved ones of Rene and Divine and entrust them to God’s loving mercy. We ask for continued prayers for all who are affected by this tragedy.”
Meanwhile, in a follow-up statement on June 9, the university said that they are “working closely” with the bereaved families of the student-athletes to provide support and assistance.
They disclosed that the remains of both Rene and Divine have also been brought from Aurora to Quezon City, early Tuesday morning.
It also detailed that the parents of Rene have also requested for an autopsy, which will be conducted by relevant authorities.
“At the request of Rene’s parents, an autopsy will be conducted. The University, through Arlington, has coordinated with the appropriate authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), to facilitate this process.“
Ateneo President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ was also said to have spent time with the family at the memorial chapel, joined them in prayer, and blessed Rene’s remains.
Meanwhile, Divine’s family has also requested for the return of his remains to Nigeria, where he will be given his last rites in accordance to his family and cultural practices.
“The University is assisting the family in the necessary arrangements and is awaiting the written authorization required to begin processing the relevant documentation,” added ADMU.
Although, details about the wakes of either players have not yet been conformed.
Meanwhile, other players who were with them at the team-building activity have also returned from Aurora and are now undergoing debriefing and counseling sessions from the university, whicb disclosed that these will run beyond just one session and will also include other forms of care for student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the days and weeks ahead.
“We understand the grief, pain, and many questions and concerns that members of our community may be experiencing. As we continue to accompany the families, the team, and all those affected, we ask for patience, compassion, and prayers for everyone who is carrying the burden of this loss,” ADMU added.
Meanwhile, the university said that it “remains committed to caring for the Baterbonia and Adili families, supporting the team and coaching staff, and pursuing a careful and thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”
Further updates regarding ADMU’s ongoing response, including measures being undertaken to review the circumstances of the incident, it said, “will be shared with the community as they become available.”