MANILA, Philippines — Officials of Ateneo de Manila University said Monday that the university limited its public statements following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili to give priority to supporting their families and respecting their grief.
During a press conference, Ateneo President Roberto Yap said the university focused on providing direct assistance to the families and members of the basketball team after the incident.
“The few public updates were not because we did not care for the bereaved families. We believe — and continue to believe — that public relations or institutional noise should not intrude upon a family’s grief,” Yap said in a statement.
“We are truly sorry for not being quick at informing the public of the developments, which has led to perceptions of inaction. We focus on being present for the grieving families in their darkest hour,” he added.
Baterbonia and Adili died by drowning in Aurora on June 8 during a team-building activity involving the Ateneo men’s basketball team.
Yap said the university contacted Baterbonia’s family immediately after the incident and offered assistance, including covering travel expenses from Agusan to Manila.
He said the family later accepted assistance from the governor of Agusan del Sur. Yap also thanked Ateneo de Davao University and its president, Karel San Juan, for helping the family.
For Adili’s family, Yap said the university offered to shoulder funeral expenses, transportation costs for family members traveling from Nigeria to the Philippines, and the repatriation of Adili’s remains.
“We share these details to assure everyone that we have been working tirelessly to fulfill our duties of care, quietly and respectfully where it matters most,” Yap said.
RB Hizon said the university prioritized supporting the families and chose not to issue extensive public statements while they were grieving.
Yap also said he personally met Baterbonia’s mother when she arrived in Manila and extended condolences on behalf of the university.
In his statement, Yap apologized to the families of the two student-athletes and the Ateneo community.
“Two young men entrusted to our care did not return home, and that fact breaks our hearts. No explanation, context, or words can undo that loss,” he said.
Yap said the university would review its policies and procedures to help prevent similar incidents. He announced the creation of an independent fact-finding body that will examine existing safety measures for student-athletes.
He also confirmed that Ateneo accepted the resignations of men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo.
Baterbonia, 19, had recently played in the finals of the Palarong Pambansa and had committed to Ateneo’s basketball program. Adili, 21, was a Nigerian student-athlete who played in UAAP Season 88.
According to an initial report from the Police Regional Office 3, the two players were swimming when a strong current carried them into deeper waters. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Several lawmakers have announced plans to file a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the incident. Members of the House of Representatives’ Young Guns bloc said the proposed investigation could help guide legislation aimed at improving safety standards for student-athletes.
