Senator Bam Aquino has called for a Senate investigation into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an off-campus activity in Aurora, saying the victims' families deserve answers and justice.
In a manifestation before the Senate on Wednesday, Aquino urged the Committees on Basic Education and Justice to conduct a joint hearing to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy and review existing policies governing student and athletic activities.
“Nung Hunyo, dalawang kabataan na puno ng pangarap, dalawang atleta ng Ateneo de Manila University Men’s Basketball Team, si Rene Clert Baterbonia at Divine Adili, ang binawian ng buhay sa isang off-campus activity sa Aurora,” Aquino said.
The senator revealed that he had recently visited Baterbonia’s family, who are seeking clarity on the circumstances that led to their son's death.
“Sa gitna ng lungkot, dalamhati at galit, iisa lang po ang kanilang hiling, ang katotohanan. Ano ba talaga ang nangyari sa kanilang anak?” Aquino said.
According to Aquino, the Senate is capable of providing a venue for uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. He added that the inquiry should examine existing policies of the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and sports and athletic regulations to determine whether reforms are needed.
“Ang trahedyang sumapit kina Rene at Divine ay nangangailangan ng kalinawan at katotohanan,” he said. “Posible pong maging espasyo ang Senado upang lumabas ang katotohanan sa mga pangyayari sa araw na iyon.”
Aquino also noted that the findings of the proposed investigation could contribute to the development of the proposed Safer Schools Act, which seeks to strengthen protections for students.
“Kaya't hinihiling po namin na atasan ang Committee on Basic Education at Committee on Justice na isagawa ang isang pagdinig at pagsiyasat ukol sa trahedyang ito. Para po sa katarungan, para po sa kaligtasan, para po sa ating kabataan, at siyempre po para kay Rene at Divine,” he said.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have sparked public calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the off-campus activity and the safety protocols observed during the event.
