Divine Adili's remains sent home to Nigeria
The remains of Ateneo student-athlete Divine Adili have been flown back to his home country, Nigeria.
Adili, 21, was one of two members of the Ateneo de Manila University's men's basketball team who passed away in a drowning incident on June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora. He lost his life along with teammate Rene Baterbonia, 19.
As reported by ABS-CBN News, the basketball player's casket—carried by Ateneo Blue Eagles assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga and teammates Ian Espinosa and Sam Reyes—was transferred from his wake at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City to the funeral vehicle bound for Ninoy Aquino International Airport for repatriation on Monday, June 22.
Adili's loved ones, along with his friend and Nigerian athlete Solomon Okereke, joined the convoy to the airport.
Baterbonia's remains, meanwhile, have been brought home to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
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 staged a walkout on Friday, June 19, demanding justice and accountability over the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has also issued a preemptive ban on all ADMU coaching staff present during the drowning incident.
Aside from an investigation currently being carried out by the Aurora police and the National Bureau of Investigation, independent probes are also being conducted by the Dipaculao LGU, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Philippine Sports Commission, which has convened a multi-agency panel for this purpose.
