Ateneo recruits decommit, transfer to La Salle Zobel after student-athletes' deaths
Four former Ateneo de Davao University players have decommitted from Ateneo de Manila University and will instead transfer to La Salle Zobel.
AdDU coach Jess Evangelio confirmed the move of recruits Matt Cayetano, Macky Peligrino, JM Sanoria, and Rhysus Bajentin in a Facebook post on June 20.
"It is with great pride and gratitude that I finally confirm that our boys will be joining La Salle Zobel as they begin an exciting new chapter in their basketball and academic journey," he wrote.
Evangelio further thanked La Salle Zobel for opening its doors to the four athletes, who previously committed to the Ateneo de Manila High School basketball program. The quartet was also former teammates of Rene Baterbonia, an AdMU recruit who died in a drowning incident at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora, alongside another Atenean student-athlete, Divine Adili, on June 8.
"We do not take this opportunity lightly. Our boys are committed to working hard, staying humble, and representing the Lasallian community with pride, discipline, and integrity both on and off the court," he continued, thanking De La Salle Green Archers assistant coach Gian Nazario.
Cayetano, on Facebook, shared the news about their move, writing "For you Bet," referring to Baterbonia's nickname, "Bobet."
Initial findings by the Aurora police suggested the incident was purely accidental and ruled out foul play. On June 19, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that there are some conflicting testimonies of the athletes and coaches. The CIDG is looking into whether the deaths could lead to indictments under the Anti-Hazing Law.
Members of the Ateneo community also staged a walkout on Friday, demanding justice and accountability over the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
Meanwhile, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has issued a preemptive ban on all AdMU coaching staff present during the drowning incident.
As of June 20, Baterbonia has been brought home to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, while Adili's remains are being repatriated to Nigeria.