Ateneo Mourns Deaths of Two Basketball Players After Drowning Incident

Ateneo de Manila University is mourning the loss of two members of its men’s basketball program who died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday.

The victims were identified as Rene Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, both members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball team. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the university community and the Philippine basketball scene.

In an official statement released following the incident, Ateneo expressed grief over the deaths of the two student-athletes and extended its sympathies to those affected.

“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time,” Ateneo wrote in a statement.

The university said it is providing assistance and support to the families of the deceased players, as well as to their teammates and members of the community coping with the loss.

“The University is providing support to the families of Rene and Divine, as well as to their teammates and members of the Ateneo community affected by this tragedy,” the statement added.

Baterbonia was considered one of the country’s promising young basketball talents. The 19-year-old recently competed in the Palarong Pambansa finals just two weeks before the incident and had committed to joining Ateneo’s Blue Eagles program.

He gained national recognition last year after being named Most Valuable Player of the Palarong Pambansa, where he helped lead the Davao team to a championship.

Adili, meanwhile, was a Nigerian foreign student-athlete who had already seen action for Ateneo in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

At 21 years old, he was regarded as an important part of the team’s roster and development program.

The university requested privacy for the families and individuals directly affected by the tragedy as they continue to grieve.

“We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss,” Ateneo wrote.

“As a community, we mourn with the families and loved ones of Rene and Divine and entrust them to God’s loving mercy. We ask for continued prayers for all who are affected by this tragedy.”

Ateneo also announced that details regarding the wake and funeral arrangements for the two players would be released at a later date after discussions with their respective families.

The incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences from members of the Philippine sports community, with basketball officials expressing support for the university and those affected by the loss.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the national governing body for basketball in the country, said it has been coordinating with Ateneo officials to determine how it can assist in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“As the National Sports Association for basketball, the SBP has been in communication with the University’s basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed, with particular attention given to those most affected by this tragic incident,” the federation said in a statement.

The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili represent a significant loss not only for Ateneo’s basketball program but also for Philippine basketball, where both players were viewed as valuable contributors to the sport.

As the university community mourns, tributes continue to emerge from teammates, coaches, supporters, and fellow athletes remembering the impact the two players made on and off the court.

Authorities have not released additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the drowning incident.

Ateneo and basketball officials have remained focused on supporting the victims’ families and helping teammates and community members cope with the tragedy.