Ateneo de Manila University is mourning the loss of two members of its men’s basketball team after a drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement, the university confirmed the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, who drowned on Monday afternoon during a Blue Eagles team-building activity.
“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time,” Ateneo said.
Baterbonia had recently joined the Blue Eagles program after a standout high school career in Mindanao. A product of Ateneo de Davao, he led the Davao Region team to the boys’ basketball gold medal at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
He again helped Davao Region reach the championship game of this year’s Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur before the team fell to Calabarzon in the finals on May 30.
The incident came less than a week after Baterbonia arrived at Ateneo’s Katipunan campus in Quezon City. He was expected to make his debut for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89 later this year.
Adili, a Nigerian student-athlete, had already suited up for Ateneo in UAAP Season 88 and was part of the university’s most recent campaign in the league.
Ateneo said it is providing support to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, as well as to teammates, coaches, and other members of the university community affected by the tragedy.
Baterbonia’s former school, Talacogon National High School in Agusan del Sur, also paid tribute to its former student-athlete, describing him as one of the school’s most accomplished basketball players and recalling his rise from local competitions to the national stage.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas likewise extended its condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Adili and said it has been coordinating with Ateneo basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed following the incident.
