Vice President Sara Duterte expressed disappointment over what she described as the inadequate response given to the families of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who died during a team-building activity in Aurora earlier this week.
Speaking in Davao City, Duterte said schools have a responsibility to immediately reach out to grieving families, explain what happened, and help them navigate the difficult period following a tragedy.
“Dapat kasi sa mga ganyan na mga panahon ay nauuna ‘yung pag-reach out nila sa pamilya at pagpapaintindi sa pamilya kung ano ‘yung nangyari at ano ‘yung mga kailangan nilang gawin the family and the school. So pakiramdam ko ay malaki ang pagkukulang ng paaralan sa pagbibigay support sa pamilya,” Duterte said.
The Vice President said the deaths of the young athletes were deeply saddening and stressed that the families deserve both support and clear answers. She also backed calls for accountability and a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8. Ateneo de Manila University later confirmed the deaths and extended its condolences to the families, teammates, coaches, and loved ones of the two student-athletes.
For Duterte, however, the issue extends beyond expressions of sympathy. Her remarks focused on the need for direct engagement with the families, particularly in helping them understand what occurred and what steps would follow after the incident.
The incident has prompted calls for further clarification and accountability from public officials and members of the public. Duterte’s remarks placed renewed attention on the responsibility of educational institutions to provide support to grieving families and maintain open communication following a tragedy.
As discussions surrounding the incident continue, Duterte’s comments underscored her position that families affected by such tragedies should receive timely support, clear communication, and meaningful assistance from the institutions involved.
