Ateneo commits all support to families of deceased players; Baldwin still mum

FILE–Ateneo’s Divine Adili reacts during a game against UE in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo de Manila University, rocked by drowning deaths of two of its basketball players in a team activity, provided a statement on Tuesday.

The families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili were promised all the help they need even as Baternonia’s family had requested than an autopsy be done on the promising native of Davao.

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“At the request of Rene’s parents, an autopsy will be conducted,” the statement read. “The University…has coordinated with the appropriate authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), to facilitate this process.”

Adili’s remains, meanwhile, will be flown to Nigeria.

“The family of Divine Adili has expressed its wish to have his remains returned to Nigeria, in keeping with family and cultural practices that are important to them,” the school said. “The University is assisting the family in the necessary arrangements and is awaiting the written authorization required to begin processing the relevant documentation.”

Ateneo has also emphasized that it is providing support and assistance to the families of Rene and Divine after the tragic incident.

READ: Ateneo players’ deaths put spotlight on Blue Eagles ‘bootcamp’

The school also said that the team has arrived back in Manila following the mishap in Aurora during their team building, and that each member of the team will undergo counselling and psychological sessions to be “facilitated by the College Guidance Office.”

“The University recognizes that the emotional impact of this tragedy extends beyond a single session and has committed to providing continuing counseling, psychological support, and other forms of care for the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the days and weeks ahead.”

Coach Tab Baldwin, meanwhile, under whose watch the tragedy happened, has yet to give a statement regarding the matter.