VP Sara unsatisfied with Ateneo's response to Baterbonia, Adili deaths
By Ivy Tejano
BATERBONIA (FB)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte said Ateneo de Manila University's response to the deaths of their basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili is lacking.
In an interview with Davao reporters on Friday morning, June 12, Duterte expressed sadness over the incident involving two students and a "promising athlete" in the country.
"First of all, it is very unfortunate that this happened to a Filipino student, to our promising athlete, and to a foreign student, as well," the Vice President said.
Duterte said that the university should prioritize immediate communication with and support for the families of deceased students, especially in cases involving fatalities.
"In times like these, the school should be the first to reach out to the family and explain what happened and what steps need to be taken by both the family and the school," she said.
Duterte said she believes the university failed to provide adequate support, noting that the situation was not an ordinary case but the death of two students.
"As a lawyer, I consider what happened actionable," Duterte said, adding that she would not escalate the matter further out of respect for the grieving families.
The Vice President suggested that after the burial and mourning period, families should consider taking legal steps if they seek accountability for their deaths.
Duterte said she would schedule a visit to Baterbonia's wake here to condole with his family once arrangements are finalized.
The Ateneo de Davao University here announced a series of wake Masses and remembrance activities for Baterbonia.
"The Ateneo de Davao University community invites you to join us as we honor the life of our dear Atenean, Bobet, through three days of prayer, remembrance, and love," it said.
Wake Masses will be held on June 12, 13, and 14, at 6 p.m. at the Christ the King Chapel, Ateneo de Davao Senior High School, Bangkal Campus.
The program will include a Mass of Comfort on June 12, a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 13, and a Mass of Hope and Sending Forth on June 14.
A eulogy program will also be held on the evening of June 12, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., featuring a series of tributes and prayers.
"In grief, we gather. In love, we hold on. In hope, we remember," Ateneo de Davao said.