Ateneo de Manila University has assured continued support for the families, teammates, and coaching staff of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili following their deaths in a drowning incident in Aurora.
In an official statement released Tuesday, June 9, the university said it remains united in prayer with the grieving families and the entire Ateneo community as it continues to respond to the tragedy.
“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 the two athletes were transferred early Tuesday from Aurora Memorial Hospital to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City. Ateneo confirmed that an autopsy on Baterbonia’s remains will be conducted upon the request of his parents, with coordination already made with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, personally met Baterbonia’s family upon their arrival from Davao City and joined them in prayer during the viewing at the memorial chapel.
Meanwhile, Ateneo said the family of Adili has requested that his remains be returned to Nigeria in accordance with their cultural and family traditions. The university said it is assisting in processing the necessary documents for the repatriation.
The university also confirmed that members of the Ateneo men’s basketball team and coaching staff underwent psychological processing and counseling sessions after returning from Aurora.
“The emotional impact of this tragedy extends beyond a single session,” the university noted, adding that continuing counseling and psychological support will be provided in the coming weeks.
Authorities earlier described the deaths of the two athletes during a team-building activity in Aurora as accidental, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
