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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UAAP coach-turned-solon Pumaren shaken by drowning of 2 Ateneo cagers

UAAP coach-turned-solon Pumaren shaken by drowning of 2 Ateneo cagers

Published Jun 9, 2026 10:37 am

At A Glance

  • Rep. Franz Pumaren mourns the drowning deaths of Ateneo student‑athletes Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia, calling the loss "heartbreaking" and offering condolences to their families, teammates, and the wider sports community.
  • He says that both young men embodied discipline, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, noting that their promising futures made the tragedy especially painful.
  • As a former UAAP coach and rival of Ateneo during his tenure with La Salle, Pumaren said the incident struck close to home and pledged his office's support.
Quezon City 3rd district Rep. Franz Pumaren (Facebook)
Quezon City 3rd district Rep. Franz Pumaren (Facebook)


Quezon City 3rd district Rep. Franz Pumaren has described as "heartbreaking" the passing of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) men's basketball team members Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia in a drowning incident.
"We join the entire Ateneo community, the Philippine sports community, and countless Filipinos in mourning the tragic passing of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili," said the UAAP coaching legend-turned-congressman in a statement Tuesday, June 9.
"It is heartbreaking to see two young athletes, whose lives were defined by hard work, discipline, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, taken far too soon," Pumaren said.
"Their futures held so much promise, making this tragedy all the more painful for their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone whose lives they touched," he added.
Of the two, only Adili, 21, has suited up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, having done so in UAAP Season 88. Baterbonia, 19, was supposed to play for the university's basketball squad this year.
Pumaren coached the Blue Eagles' fierce rivals the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers from 1998 to 2009. He led the Archers to five championships, including four straight from 1998 to 2001.
"As a former student athlete and UAAP coach, this loss strikes particularly close to home. Our office will extend whatever assistance may be needed by those affected in this tragic incident," he said.
"My heart goes out to their loved ones during this difficult time. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers for the eternal repose of Rene and Divine, and for the strength, peace, and healing of those they leave behind," said the National Unity Party (NUP) stalwart.
"May Rene and Divine rest in peace, and may their legacy continue to inspire excellence, character, and service in the young athletes who follow in their footsteps," Pumaren further said.
ADMU said the two student-athletes drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday afternoon, June 8.
Pumaren also won championship as a player in the country’s professional hoops league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Related Tags

UAAP ATENEO Divine Adili Rene Clert Baterbonia Franz Pumaren DLSU
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