MVP mourns death of Ateneo players Baterbonia, Adili

Businessman and longtime Ateneo sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan expressed his condolences following the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Aurora.

In a post on X on Tuesday night, Pangilinan extended his sympathies to the families of the two student-athletes and joined the Ateneo community in mourning their loss.

“My most profound sympathy to the families of Rene and Divine; my thoughts and prayers are with them. I join the Ateneo community in grief over their loss,” Pangilinan wrote.

He also paid tribute to the two young athletes, describing them as promising individuals whose lives ended too soon.

“Rene and Divine were young men of promise whose presence made the world brighter. That light has gone too soon; our hearts are heavy with regret and sorrow,” he said in a separate post.

Pangilinan added that the memory of Baterbonia and Adili would continue to live on through those whose lives they touched.

“Their memory will be carried forward by those who knew them; they will have our eternal respect and love,” he wrote.

Baterbonia and Adili, members of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Initial findings by police indicated that the two players were swept by a strong current into deeper waters while swimming.

Their deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief from the Philippine sports community, with athletes, coaches, sports officials, and various organizations offering condolences and support to their families and the Ateneo community.

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SBP offers support, condolences after death of Baterbonia, Adili

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has extended its condolences to the Ateneo de Manila University community following the deaths of two members of the school’s basketball program in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Aurora.

In a statement released Monday night, the country’s national sports association for basketball mourned the passing of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) extends its deepest condolences to the Ateneo de Manila University community as it mourns the tragic passing of two members of its basketball program, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili,” the SBP said.

The organization said it has been coordinating with Ateneo basketball officials to determine what assistance can be provided to those affected by 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 statement read.

The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili were earlier confirmed by Ateneo, which said the two student-athletes drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday afternoon.

SBP said it stands with the families, teammates, coaches, friends, and the entire Ateneo community as they cope with the loss.

“During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the families, teammates, coaches, friends, and the entire Ateneo community. We join them in mourning this heartbreaking loss and offer our prayers for strength, comfort, and healing,” the federation added.

The basketball community has continued to express grief and support following the tragedy, with tributes pouring in for the two young athletes whose deaths have shocked Philippine collegiate basketball. (AC)

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Police point to strong current in drowning of Baterbonia, Adili

Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili reportedly died after swept into deeper waters by a strong current while swimming in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Initial findings by Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) said that Baterbonia and Adili were swimming with another Ateneo teammate on Monday afternoon when the incident took place.

“While the investigation remains ongoing, initial findings indicate that the victims were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters,” PRO-3 said.

According to the regional police office, personnel from the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station immediately responded after receiving reports of the incident and coordinated with other concerned agencies to provide assistance.

“Based on initial reports, personnel of the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station immediately responded upon receiving information regarding the incident and coordinated with concerned agencies to provide the necessary assistance,” the statement read.

The victims were rushed to a medical facility but were later declared dead by the attending physician.

“The victims were promptly transported to a medical facility; however, they were later declared dead by the attending physician,” PRO-3 added.

The police said a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assured the public that authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to address all aspects of the case.

“PRO 3 assures the public that it will continue to diligently perform its mandate, conduct a thorough investigation, and coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure that all aspects of the incident are properly addressed,” the regional office said.

Authorities also appealed to the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing and urged beachgoers and tourists to observe safety advisories, especially in areas known for strong water currents.

“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and allow the authorities to complete the investigation. We also urge beachgoers and tourists to observe safety advisories and exercise extra caution when engaging in water activities, particularly in areas where strong currents may be present,” PRO-3 said. (AC)

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