The Society of Jesus in the Philippines on Friday expressed grief and condolences over the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, while acknowledging that “more could have been done” in the handling and communication of the tragedy.
In a statement released Friday, the Philippine Jesuit community expressed being "heartbroken" over the incident and admitted that "more could have been done in the way the tragedy has been dealt with and communicated."
“The Society of Jesus in the Philippines is heartbroken over the tragic incident that claimed the lives of two of our students,” the statement read.
The Jesuits said they personally knew both students. Adili, a sophomore at Ateneo de Manila University, had built friendships within the Loyola Heights campus community, including with several Jesuits. Baterbonia, meanwhile, was described as a source of pride and joy at Ateneo de Davao University throughout his high school years and maintained close relationships with Jesuit mentors.
“We knew them and we grieve their untimely deaths. We also knew their families and friends, especially Rene’s. We can only imagine the heartache they are going through these days. We pray for them and vow everything we can do to support them in this time of grief,” the Jesuits said.
The religious order said it trusted its institutions to respond appropriately to the tragedy, citing actions already taken by Ateneo leaders. Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, ordered an internal investigation, met with Baterbonia’s mother upon her arrival in Manila, and provided regular public updates regarding the case.
Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, also reached out to Baterbonia’s family and sent the student-athlete’s former high school coaches to Manila to assist them. Baterbonia is currently being waked at Ateneo de Davao University.
Despite these efforts, the Jesuits acknowledged the criticism and emotional reactions from members of the public and the Ateneo community.
“All this notwithstanding, when we listen to the gut reactions of grief and anger coming from so many, we humbly acknowledge more could have been done in the way the tragedy has been dealt with and communicated,” the statement said.
The Society of Jesus noted that alumni and community members had called on Jesuit institutions to uphold the values they teach, including cura personalis or care for the individual person, compassion, social justice, truth, accountability, and solidarity.
The Jesuits said they welcomed these reminders and viewed them as a ”call to remain to greater fidelity whenever we fall short.”
“As Jesuits, we are guided and continually challenged by our commitment to walk with the poor, accompany the young, and embrace the spirit of synodality. We do not always live these ideals perfectly, but we strive to be faithful to them,” the statement added.
As a response, Provincial Superior Fr. Xavier Olin, SJ, said he had conferred with Ateneo's leadership to examine how the community could "better live out the Ignatian values we teach others."
“Given the urgency of the matter, I as Jesuit Provincial have conferred with Ateneo de Manila leadership to see how in this devastating experience we may better live out the Ignatian values we teach others,” Olin said.
The statement concluded with an assurance that the Jesuits would continue pursuing what is right and just for the victims and their families.
“We assure our communities and the general public that we will exert everything in our power to do what is right, what is just, and what is loving for our beloved students Rene, Divine, and their families,” it said.
Meanwhile, faculty members, students, and campus organizations of Ateneo de Manila University have issued statements and manifestations calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding the incident.
