Ateneo’s Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili die in drowning incident

PHOTOS: Ren Baterbonia’s Instagram, INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo mourns the passing of two of its men’s basketball team members, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday.

“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 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.”

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Baterbonia, 19, recently played in the Palarong Pambansa finals two weeks ago and committed to the Blue Eagles program. He was last year’s Palarong Pambansa MVP after leading Davao to a championship.

The 21-year-old Adili, a Nigerian foreign student athlete, played in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament last year.

“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.”

The school said that further details regarding the wake and funeral arrangements will be announced after consultation with the players’ families.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the country’s basketball federation, said in a statement that it is already in contact with Ateneo’s basketball officials to provide assistance.

“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.”