Ateneo says it hopes to sit down with Rene Baterbonia's family again following podcast interview
Ateneo de Manila University has issued a statement after late player Rene Baterbonia's mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, slammed the university in a recent podcast interview.
Rovelyn spoke about the tragic incident, which took place during a team-building trip in Aurora on June 8, in an interview on Toni Gonzaga's YouTube channel published on Aug. 9.
"It is heartbreaking to see the deep pain and loss the Baterbonia family continues to endure, as reflected in Mrs. Rovelyn Baterbonia's recent podcast interview," the statement, issued on Aug. 10, read.
Ateneo said that since the death of Rene and fellow student-athlete Divine Adili, it "continued" efforts to provide support to their families and loved ones, "much of it quietly out of respect for their privacy and their need to grieve in the way they know best."
The university added that its president Fr. Bobby Yap visited Rene's wake in Manila several times and personally met with Rovelyn to offer his condolences and apologies.
After Rene was brought home to Talacagon, Agusan del Sur, Ateneo said his family asked for space as they prepared for the commemoration of the 40th day of the student-athlete's death.
"We take this opportunity to reach out once again to the Baterbonia family, this time publicly, in the hope that we can finally sit down with them again, listen to them, provide the answers we can, and extend whatever care or support they may need, as we continue to do for other members of our community who have been affected," the university stated.
"We remain here for them, whenever they are ready."
Rovelyn on the incident
During the Toni Talks interview, Rovelyn was asked if Ateneo offered their apologies, to which she said, "Siguro [sa] ngayon, humihingi na sila ng tawad kasi alam na nila na lalaban ako."
The mother added that after her son's death, she waited for the university to approach her and explain the incident.
"Tapos na sana 'yun kasi tao lang ako. Pero sa feeling ko, parang wala silang respeto saming mahihirap," she said.
Rovelyn then claimed the staff of Ateneo didn't dress or clean Rene's remains when they brought him back from Aurora. "Dinala nila 'yung anak ko doon sa Arlington (Memorial Chapels), walang kasama, walang Ateneo, walang teammates na kasama. Kahit nag-convoy lang, wala talaga," she added.
Team-building tragedy
Rene and Adili lost their lives after being carried away by a rip current during a team-building activity at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora in June.
Tab Baldwin has since resigned as head coach of the Ateneo men's basketball team. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has also "perpetually banned" the American-Kiwi coach from all UAAP competitions.
Furthermore, the NBI and CIDG have recommended charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Baldwin, six assistant coaches, and a physical therapist.