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Ateneo Mourns Two Basketball Players Lost In Aurora Tragedy
Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili FILE
The Ateneo de Manila University community is mourning the loss of two members of its men's basketball program after a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Aurora on June 8.
In a statement released Monday night, Ateneo confirmed the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili following a drowning incident in the coastal town of Dipaculao, Aurora.
The university expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones of the two players and asked the community to keep them in their prayers during this difficult time. Ateneo also said it is providing support to those affected by the tragedy.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Philippine basketball community, particularly within the UAAP, where both players were regarded as important members of Ateneo's program.
Baterbonia, 19, was one of the country's most highly regarded young prospects. The 6-foot-4 forward from Agusan del Sur rose to prominence after helping Davao Region capture its first-ever Palarong Pambansa boys' basketball championship in 2025, earning Most Valuable Player honors in the process. He later committed to Ateneo after a standout career with Ateneo de Davao.
Just weeks before the tragedy, Baterbonia helped Davao Region reach the finals of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, where the team finished with a silver medal. He was widely viewed as one of the Blue Eagles' most promising recruits for the future.
Adili, 21, was Ateneo's foreign student-athlete and had already suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88. Despite dealing with injuries during the campaign, the 6-foot-8 center emerged as a key presence in the paint and was expected to play a major role in the team's future seasons.
The two were participating in an off-season team-building activity when the incident occurred. As of Monday night, no additional details regarding the circumstances of the drowning had been officially released.
Messages of grief and support quickly poured in from athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans across the country's basketball community following Ateneo's announcement. Many remembered Baterbonia as one of the brightest young talents in Philippine basketball, while Adili was praised for his dedication, resilience, and impact on his teammates.
The tragedy comes as Ateneo prepares for future UAAP campaigns, leaving the Blue Eagles community mourning the loss of two young athletes whose lives and basketball careers ended far too soon.
In a statement released Monday night, Ateneo confirmed the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili following a drowning incident in the coastal town of Dipaculao, Aurora.
The university expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones of the two players and asked the community to keep them in their prayers during this difficult time. Ateneo also said it is providing support to those affected by the tragedy.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Philippine basketball community, particularly within the UAAP, where both players were regarded as important members of Ateneo's program.
Baterbonia, 19, was one of the country's most highly regarded young prospects. The 6-foot-4 forward from Agusan del Sur rose to prominence after helping Davao Region capture its first-ever Palarong Pambansa boys' basketball championship in 2025, earning Most Valuable Player honors in the process. He later committed to Ateneo after a standout career with Ateneo de Davao.
Just weeks before the tragedy, Baterbonia helped Davao Region reach the finals of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, where the team finished with a silver medal. He was widely viewed as one of the Blue Eagles' most promising recruits for the future.
Adili, 21, was Ateneo's foreign student-athlete and had already suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88. Despite dealing with injuries during the campaign, the 6-foot-8 center emerged as a key presence in the paint and was expected to play a major role in the team's future seasons.
The two were participating in an off-season team-building activity when the incident occurred. As of Monday night, no additional details regarding the circumstances of the drowning had been officially released.
Messages of grief and support quickly poured in from athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans across the country's basketball community following Ateneo's announcement. Many remembered Baterbonia as one of the brightest young talents in Philippine basketball, while Adili was praised for his dedication, resilience, and impact on his teammates.
The tragedy comes as Ateneo prepares for future UAAP campaigns, leaving the Blue Eagles community mourning the loss of two young athletes whose lives and basketball careers ended far too soon.
Jun 8, 2026
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