NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Ateneo Stands By Families of Baterbonia, Adili After Tragedy
FILE
Ateneo de Manila University said it is closely coordinating with the families of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili following the deaths of the two Blue Eagles players during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In an update released Tuesday, the university said it remains focused on helping the families navigate the difficult period and is extending assistance for funeral arrangements and other immediate concerns. Support is also being provided to teammates, coaches, and members of the Ateneo community who continue to grieve the loss.
Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, died on June 8 after being swept by strong currents while swimming during an off-campus activity involving the Ateneo men's basketball team. Both were rushed to a hospital but were later declared dead.
Authorities have launched separate investigations into the incident. Initial findings from the Philippine National Police in Aurora indicate that there are no signs of foul play and that the drowning was accidental.
The university said it is fully cooperating with authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, as efforts continue to establish a complete account of what happened.
The tragedy has shaken the country's basketball community, with messages of sympathy pouring in from fellow athletes, coaches, and sports officials.
Baterbonia was considered one of the brightest young prospects in Philippine basketball. Hailing from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, he captured the Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa and was expected to become one of the key pieces of Ateneo's future under veteran coach Tab Baldwin.
Adili, meanwhile, was a Nigerian center who played for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88. He averaged 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in 11 games and had emerged as one of the team's most dependable interior players.
The Philippine Sports Commission has expressed support for the ongoing investigation and is studying possible measures that could strengthen safety protocols during training camps and team-building activities involving athletes.
The incident has also prompted lawmakers to seek a congressional inquiry into the deaths of the two student-athletes, with the aim of reviewing existing policies on supervision, emergency preparedness, risk assessment, and parental consent in sports-related activities.
As the investigation continues, Ateneo said the entire university community remains united in mourning the loss of two young men whose promising basketball careers and lives were cut tragically short.
In an update released Tuesday, the university said it remains focused on helping the families navigate the difficult period and is extending assistance for funeral arrangements and other immediate concerns. Support is also being provided to teammates, coaches, and members of the Ateneo community who continue to grieve the loss.
Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, died on June 8 after being swept by strong currents while swimming during an off-campus activity involving the Ateneo men's basketball team. Both were rushed to a hospital but were later declared dead.
Authorities have launched separate investigations into the incident. Initial findings from the Philippine National Police in Aurora indicate that there are no signs of foul play and that the drowning was accidental.
The university said it is fully cooperating with authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, as efforts continue to establish a complete account of what happened.
The tragedy has shaken the country's basketball community, with messages of sympathy pouring in from fellow athletes, coaches, and sports officials.
Baterbonia was considered one of the brightest young prospects in Philippine basketball. Hailing from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, he captured the Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa and was expected to become one of the key pieces of Ateneo's future under veteran coach Tab Baldwin.
Adili, meanwhile, was a Nigerian center who played for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88. He averaged 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in 11 games and had emerged as one of the team's most dependable interior players.
The Philippine Sports Commission has expressed support for the ongoing investigation and is studying possible measures that could strengthen safety protocols during training camps and team-building activities involving athletes.
The incident has also prompted lawmakers to seek a congressional inquiry into the deaths of the two student-athletes, with the aim of reviewing existing policies on supervision, emergency preparedness, risk assessment, and parental consent in sports-related activities.
As the investigation continues, Ateneo said the entire university community remains united in mourning the loss of two young men whose promising basketball careers and lives were cut tragically short.
Jun 9, 2026
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