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Jesuits Admit More Could Have Been Done After Ateneo Tragedy
Photo credit: Philippine Jesuit
The Society of Jesus in the Philippines has acknowledged that more could have been done in handling and communicating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a statement released on June 12, the Jesuits expressed grief over the loss of the two students, describing the incident as a tragedy that has deeply affected their community.
“We personally knew them,” the statement read. “We know them and we grieve their untimely deaths.”
The Jesuits recalled that Divine Adili, a sophomore at Ateneo de Manila University, had already built friendships within the Loyola Heights campus, including among members of the Jesuit community. Rene Baterbonia, meanwhile, was remembered as a standout student-athlete from Ateneo de Davao University who maintained close ties with Jesuit mentors.
The religious order said university officials had taken steps to support the families of the victims. Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, was cited as having ordered an internal investigation, met with Adili’s mother upon her arrival in Manila, and provided regular updates to the public.
The statement also noted that Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, immediately reached out to Baterbonia’s family and coordinated support efforts, including sending his former coaches to Manila. Baterbonia’s remains are at Ateneo de Davao University.
Despite these actions, the Jesuits admitted that concerns raised by students, alumni, and members of the public prompted reflection on how the tragedy was managed.
“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.
Jesuit Provincial Fr. Xavier L. Olin, SJ, also thanked members of the Ateneo and Jesuit communities for reminding the institutions of the values they teach, including compassion, accountability, truth, social justice, and solidarity.
He said discussions are ongoing with Ateneo de Manila University leaders to determine how the institutions can better live out these principles in response to the tragedy.
“Inspired by the Heart of Jesus, whose feast we celebrate today, and whose love is compassionate, truthful, and attentive to those who suffer, 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,” Olin said.
The statement comes amid continued public scrutiny and calls for accountability following the deaths of the two student-athletes during a team activity in Aurora province.
In a statement released on June 12, the Jesuits expressed grief over the loss of the two students, describing the incident as a tragedy that has deeply affected their community.
“We personally knew them,” the statement read. “We know them and we grieve their untimely deaths.”
The Jesuits recalled that Divine Adili, a sophomore at Ateneo de Manila University, had already built friendships within the Loyola Heights campus, including among members of the Jesuit community. Rene Baterbonia, meanwhile, was remembered as a standout student-athlete from Ateneo de Davao University who maintained close ties with Jesuit mentors.
The religious order said university officials had taken steps to support the families of the victims. Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, was cited as having ordered an internal investigation, met with Adili’s mother upon her arrival in Manila, and provided regular updates to the public.
The statement also noted that Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, immediately reached out to Baterbonia’s family and coordinated support efforts, including sending his former coaches to Manila. Baterbonia’s remains are at Ateneo de Davao University.
Despite these actions, the Jesuits admitted that concerns raised by students, alumni, and members of the public prompted reflection on how the tragedy was managed.
“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.
Jesuit Provincial Fr. Xavier L. Olin, SJ, also thanked members of the Ateneo and Jesuit communities for reminding the institutions of the values they teach, including compassion, accountability, truth, social justice, and solidarity.
He said discussions are ongoing with Ateneo de Manila University leaders to determine how the institutions can better live out these principles in response to the tragedy.
“Inspired by the Heart of Jesus, whose feast we celebrate today, and whose love is compassionate, truthful, and attentive to those who suffer, 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,” Olin said.
The statement comes amid continued public scrutiny and calls for accountability following the deaths of the two student-athletes during a team activity in Aurora province.
Jun 12, 2026
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