Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Promising Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team recruit Rene Baterbonia and foreign student-athlete Divine Adili passed away in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday.

The university confirmed the death of the two Blue Eagles in a post on its official Facebook page.  

“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 wrote.

“The University is providing support to the families of Rene and Divine, as well as to their teammates and members of the Ateneo community affected by this tragedy.”

The 6-foot-10 Nigerian big man Adili was 21 years old. He played for Ateneo in Season 88 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Baterbonia, on the other hand, was a 19-year-old recruit from Ateneo de Davao. He powered the Davao Region to a historic 2025 Palarong Pambansa high school title and was named Most Valuable Player that year.

Baterbonia was coming off a runner-up finish in Palarong Pambansa held in Agusan Del Sur just two weeks ago.

“We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss,” Ateneo’s statement said.

“As a community, we mourn with the families and loved ones of Rene and Divine and entrust them to God's loving mercy. We ask for continued prayers for all who are affected by this tragedy.”