Ateneo de Manila University observes 40-day period of mourning for Baterbonia and Adili
The whole Ateneo de Manila University community is observing a 40-day mourning period following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a memorandum addressed to the university community, University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ invited students and faculty to join the observance, which began on June 8 and will end on July 17.
During the morning period, the Ateneo flag is flown at half-mast, daily masses are held at the college chapel, black cloth is placed on campus fences, celebratory announcements and activities are tempered, and adjustments are made to the Lux in Domino Electronic Billboard messaging.
Yap also encouraged academic units and administrative offices to hold appropriate Catholic and University rituals of mourning.
"As we observe this communal period of mourning, let us commend the souls of Rene and Divine to our Lord and accompany them with our fervent prayers," Yap wrote in the memo. "May the mercy of God through the intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary sustain their bereaved families and friends and grant peace and eternal rest to Rene and Divine."
Adili's remains were flown back to Nigeria, while Baterbonia's remains were returned to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Baterbonia and Adili lost their lives after being carried away by a rip current during a team-building activity at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
On June 11, Yap wrote that then-Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin and former team manager Quimpo went on leave "to preserve the total integrity, independence, and fairness of this investigation. Four days after, the University accepted the two's resignations.
On June 16, a town hall meeting was held at Ateneo de Manila's Leong Hall Auditorium to address the tragedy, attended by Ateneo faculty members, alumni, students, including Yap and University officials. Yap affirmed that they will take corrective action if any shortcomings are identified.
Three days after, members of the Ateneo community staged a walkout to demand justice and accountability over the untimely deaths of the student-athletes.
Also on June 19, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that there are some conflicting testimonies of the athletes and coaches. The CIDG is also looking into whether the deaths of the athletes could lead to indictments under the country’s Anti-Hazing Law.
On the same day, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has also issued a preemptive ban on all ADMU coaching staff who were present during the tragic incident. It also set a July 15 deadline for the submission of official findings.
