Ateneo says Baterbonia’s body to undergo autopsy; Adili’s remains to be brought to Nigeria
The Ateneo de Manila University said that they are now working closely with the families of their men's basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili after the two had passed away in a drowning incident during a team-building trip.
In a new statement, the university assured that they will provide support and assistance to the families as they detailed that the remains of the student-athletes have now been transferred to a memorial chapel in Quezon City.
"At the request of Rene's parents, an autopsy will be conducted. The University, through Arlington, has coordinated with the appropriate authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, to facilitate this process," they said.
The family of Adili meanwhile expressed their wish to have his remains returned to Nigeria to respect "family and cultural practices that are important to them." Ateneo said that they are currently assisting the family in the necessary arrangements and is awaiting the written authorization required to begin processing the relevant documentation.
"At this time, no final arrangements for the wakes of either Rene or Divine have been confirmed. The University will continue to coordinate closely with both families and will provide appropriate information once plans have been finalized," they said.
As for Baterbonia and Adili's teammates and coaching staff, Ateneo said that they have now participated in psychological processing and counseling sessions facilitated by the College Guidance Office.
"The University recognizes that the emotional impact of this tragedy extends beyond a single session and has committed to providing continuing counseling, psychological support, and other forms of care for the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the days and weeks ahead," they underscored.
While acknowledging the deep grief, pain, and mounting concerns surrounding the tragedy, Ateneo called for "patience, compassion, and prayers for everyone who is carrying the burden of this loss." They added that they will be sharing further updates when available.
"The University remains committed to caring for the Baterbonia and Adili families, supporting the team and coaching staff, and pursuing a careful and thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. Further updates regarding the University's ongoing response, including measures being undertaken to review the circumstances of the incident, will be shared with the community as they become available," they wrote, asking to keep the athletes, their loved ones, and the Ateneo community to be included in prayers.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned during a team-building trip in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The Philippine National Police Aurora has said that there were no signs of foul play in the drowning incident that killed Baterbonia and Adili.
"Natural accident po ang pangyayari, 'di po talaga inaasahan. At sa ngayon, wala po tayong nakikitang foul play," Police Col. Percivel R. Pineda said in a press conference on June 9.
Authorities said that the team was holding an activity along the beach when the two players were carried by a strong current into deep waters.
