The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) emphasized unity across collegiate leagues following the drowning incident on June 8 that led to the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In a statement, the NCAA expressed solidarity with the grieving families and the collegiate sports community, underscoring what it called a shared identity beyond competing leagues.

The NCAA, an intercollegiate sports league in the Philippines, said it stands with Ateneo de Manila University and the broader University Athletic Association of the Philippines in mourning the loss of the two athletes.

“We may be from different leagues, but sorrow knows no boundaries. In moments like these, we stand united as one collegiate sports community,” the NCAA said.

It described Baterbonia and Adili as student-athletes who competed with passion and discipline while also valuing their teammates and academic commitments.

“They were student-athletes who played with heart, studied with grit, and cared deeply for their teammates,” the statement read.

The NCAA also extended condolences to the families of the victims, offering prayers for strength, comfort, and peace.

“To their families: We share your grief and offer our heartfelt prayers during this difficult time,” it said.

The league added that the memory of the two athletes would remain within the community of players, coaches, and supporters across collegiate sports.

“The court feels emptier today, but the memories they created and the lives they touched will remain forever,” it said.

Meanwhile, the local government of Dipaculao, Aurora will conduct its own investigation into the drowning of two student-athletes during a team-building activity at a resort in the province.

In an interview with DZRH News, Mayor Danilo Tolentino said the municipal government is launching a parallel probe with national authorities to determine possible lapses in safety protocols that led to the untimely demise of the Atenean athletes.