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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ateneo de Manila University mourns loss of two cagers in Aurora drowning incident

Ateneo de Manila University mourns loss of two cagers in Aurora drowning incident

Published Jun 8, 2026 08:43 pm

At A Glance

  • The Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) called on the community to unite in prayer and support for those affected by the deaths of Ateneo Men's Basketball Team members Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21.
(L-R) Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili (Courtesy of Baterbonia/Facebook and UAAP Media)
(L-R) Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili (Courtesy of Baterbonia/Facebook and UAAP Media)
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on Monday, June 8, confirmed the deaths of two members of its men's basketball team following a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement, the ADMU called on the community to unite in prayer and support for those affected by the deaths of Ateneo Men's Basketball Team members Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21.
“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,” ADMU said.
Adili and Baterbonia were among Ateneo's young standouts as the Blue Eagles continued preparations for their campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Ateneo said it has begun extending support to the grieving families and teammates of those directly affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the school appealed for sensitivity while relatives, teammates, and friends cope with the loss.
“We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss,” the statement read.
“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,” Ateneo added.
Details on the wake and funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Baterbonia, a native of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, was a standout for Ateneo de Davao University and helped lead the Davao Region team to the basketball gold medal at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa 2025 where he was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
In February, Ateneo de Manila announced that the 6-foot-4 cager had committed to continue his collegiate basketball career with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, Adili, a 6-foot-10 Nigerian student-athlete who played as a center for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, was a key contributor for the team during the 2025 UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament where they finished sixth place.

Related Tags

Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo Blue Eagles drowning Aurora Rene Clert Baterbonia Divine Adili
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