Ateneo Blue Eagles players, sports community mourn passing of Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili
The sports and academic community are mourning the passing of Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
The two student-athletes lost their lives in a drowning incident during a team-building trip in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. Aurora police have ruled out foul play, stating that Baterbonia and Adili died in a "natural accident."
Current and former members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles have expressed their grief on social media.
"Kasama namin kayo sa bawat laro at laban. Para sa inyo ang season na to, we love and miss you, Bet & D," rookie Kieffer Alas wrote in an Instagram story, referencing the upcoming UAAP season 89.
"My brother, you know how much you mean to me. I love you," Blue Eagle forward Shawn Tuano captioned his photo with Adili.
"I have no words. This is just shocking and heartbreaking. Prayers to the boys and their families," Blue Eagle alum Chris Tiu wrote in an Instagram story.
Former Blue Eagle Kymani Ladi, who now plays for Caloocan in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, shared several photos with former teammate Adili.
Another former Ateneo Blue Eagle Shaggy Allmond also expressed his sentiments online.
"This is an incredibly sad moment for basketball in the Philippines, for their families, for their teammates and coaching staff, and everyone else around them," he said.
He also maintained that Baterbonia and Adili's passing were not connected to any alleged "initiation."
"The team goes there (Dipaculo, Aurora) for the sole purpose of conditioning, getting stronger, becoming a closer team due to the hardships faced during that specific beach training," he added.
The Philippine Sports Commission has also expressed its grief, stating that Baterbonia and Adili's deaths are a "profound tragedy for Philippine sports and for all who knew and supported them."
It added that it has organized a sports stakeholders' panel to support the ongoing investigation by authorities.
The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas has likewise sympathized with the family and friends of the players. "We join them in mourning this heartbreaking loss and offer our prayers for strength, comfort, and healing," it said in a statement posted online.
The UAAP and member schools Adamson University, University of the East, and Far Eastern University offered their sympathies to the Ateneo community.
"Their passing is a profound loss not only to the university community but also to all who believe in the power of education, sportsmanship, and service," UE president Zosimo Battad said in a statement. "As students and athletes, they embodied the passion, dedication, and potential of our youth."
"The Tamaraws stand in solidarity with the Ateneo Blue Eagles as we honor the lives and aspirations of Rene and Divine," the FEU Athletic Department wrote.
Baterbonia's alma mater, Ateneo de Davao Senior High School, through its sports office, honored the 19-year-old's memory.
"Rene was more than a student-athlete. HE was a brother, a teammate, a friend, and an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," it said in a statement.
"We will forever remember Rene as our Gentle Giant—a young man whose presence brought strength, comfort, and joy to those around him. He was truly an MVP on and off the court, not because of the points he scored or the games he won, but because of the character he displayed, the respect he showed, and the love he shared with others."
Baterbonia, who hails from Agusan del Sur, led Davao to win its first Palarong Pambansa basketball championship in December 2025. The 6-foot-4 former Ateneo de Davao star was hailed the MVP.
In Palarong Pambansa 2026, Baterbonia and the Davao Eagles placed first runner-up.
He transferred to AdMU and was set to play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines season 89.
Meanwhile, Adili is a 6-foot-10 Nigerian who competed in UAAP Season 88 with Ateneo Blue Eagles. Back issues nagged the big man, causing him to miss some games last season. His return helped Ateneo bounce back from its five-game losing streak, eventually finishing 6-8.