Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap said he personally apologized to the families of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, emphasizing that the university has been with them “since day one” following the tragedy.
Speaking to reporters, Fr. Yap confirmed that he had a private meeting with Baterbonia’s parents, during which he expressed his apology and condolences.
Fr. Yap said he was present when Baterbonia’s remains arrived at Arlington Memorial Chapel on June 9, where he joined the family in prayer and blessed the body of the athlete.
“I would like today we have been since day one with the Baterbonia and Adili families. We have condoled with them, we have apologized, we continue to condole with them, we continue to apologize,” Fr. Yap said.
He added that he personally met Baterbonia’s parents upon their arrival following the incident.
“On the day that Mrs. Baterbonia and Mr. Baterbonia arrived on June 9 after the tragedy, I was there. I met the mother and I met the father. I was there in the room when the first time they saw their son,” he said.
Fr. Yap said he also reached out to Adili’s family, including speaking with the athlete’s uncle to extend his apology and sympathy.
He noted that a Filipino Jesuit priest is currently in Nigeria assisting Adili’s family as a representative of Ateneo.
“In Nigeria right now, there is a Filipino Jesuit who is there with the family helping them and travelled all the way to Nigeria with them as my representative in Ateneo,” he said.
The Ateneo president said the university has extended assistance to both families and committed to sustaining support in the coming years.
“We have offered and given assistance to them and we will continue to do so over several years,” Fr. Yap said.
Yap declined to answer further questions from the media, citing respect for the grieving families and the privacy of their discussions.
“We respect the grieving that is there. I’d really like to say, we’ve been there since day one. We have apologized and condoled. We continue to support them and will continue to support them,” he said.
During Baterbonia’s funeral on Wednesday, his mother, Rovelyn, said the family had not initially received an apology, raising concerns that the university’s leadership has since addressed.
