Ateneo de Manila University President Rev. Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap became emotional during a hearing by the Senate Committee on Basic Education on Thursday as he apologized anew to the families of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last month.

Addressing lawmakers, Fr. Yap acknowledged that no amount of assistance could ever compensate for the loss of a child and assured the families that the university remains committed to supporting them throughout their grieving process.

“Our work in supporting both families remains steadfast. We continue to reach out, remain in communication, and stand ready to provide continuing care, assistance, and support today and in the days ahead,” Yap told the Senate panel.

The university president said Ateneo has maintained close coordination with the family of Baterbonia in Agusan del Sur and the family of Adili in Nigeria since the June 8 tragedy, although the university deliberately refrained from publicizing its efforts out of respect for the bereaved families.

Yap also emphasized that the university continues to provide pastoral care, psychosocial services, and other forms of assistance to surviving student-athletes and members of the Ateneo community who witnessed the incident.

“They not only lost their beloved teammates and friends and witnessed this tragedy firsthand, but many continue to endure cyberbullying, online harassment, and trial by publicity while grieving. We unequivocally condemn these acts because they only deepen the pain of those already grieving,” he said.

The Ateneo president also assured lawmakers of the university's full cooperation with the ongoing investigations.

“Ultimately, we recognize that the true measure of our response will not be in our statements but in our actions. Our efforts to pursue the truth and become a better institution will continue beyond this hearing,” he said.

During the hearing, Dipaculao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office representative Teresita Viloria reported that the Ateneo team had visited the resort four times before the activity. She also disclosed that head coach Tab Baldwin personally inspected the venue a month before the team-building event.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Major Crimes Investigation Division Chief PLt. Col. Michael Odejerte told senators that investigators have recommended the filing of three criminal cases before the National Prosecution Service as part of the case buildup.

The Senate inquiry forms part of the government's ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili and possible accountability for the incident.