Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) rookie Rene Baterbonia and foreign student-athlete Divine Adili both died in a drowning incident on Monday, June 8.
Photo: Rene Baterbonia/Instagram and UAAP
In an official statement, ADMU confirmed that Rene, 18, and Divine, 21, drowned during a team-building activity held in Dipaculao, Aurora.
“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,” the statement read.
“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,” it added.
The statement also called on the sports community to unite in prayer and give privacy and space to those who are grieving the profound loss.
“Details regarding the wake and funeral arrangements will be announced once these have been finalized in consultation with their families,” the statement concluded.
Rene has emerged as one of the country’s most promising young basketball talents. After leading the Davao Region Team to a gold medal at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, he capped off his campaign by being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
He was supposed to showcase his potential and further develop his game with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, Adili played as a center for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. The Nigerian student-athlete was one of the players to watch in the upcoming UAAP Season 89, which is set to tip off this September.
May they rest in peace.
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