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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Timeline: The tragic deaths of Ateneo's Baterbonia, Adili

Timeline: The tragic deaths of Ateneo's Baterbonia, Adili

Published Jun 15, 2026 04:42 pm

At A Glance

  • Tragedy struck the Ateneo men's basketball team as student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia passed away following a drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, the school announced Monday evening, June 8.
Tragedy struck the Ateneo men’s basketball team as student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia passed away following a drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, the school announced Monday evening, June 8.
Since then, the news spread like wildfire, with the families of both the players, and the community of fans and supporters all asking for a clear explanation of the unfortunate incident that took place.
Divine Adili (left) and Rene Baterbonia
Divine Adili (left) and Rene Baterbonia

June 8: Ateneo de Manila confirms the passing of players Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21, after drowning during a team-building of its men’s basketball squad in Dipaculao, Aurora. The Police Regional Office 3 reported on the same day that Baterbonia and Adili were both carried away by rip currents, based on findings in the police report.

June 9: Baterbonia and Adili’s remains were transferred from Aurora Memorial Hospital to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City. On the same day, Baterbonia’s family arrived from Agusan Del Sur and requested an autopsy. Ateneo de Manila, through Arlington, has coordinated with the appropriate authorities including the NBI and the CIDG to facilitate the process.

READ: Rene's mom: Apology is not enough

The Philippine Sports Commission also formed a panel to look into the incident, composed of officials from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipins (SBP), the UAAP, the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Education, and the National Youth Commission.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio

June 10: The Sports Stakeholders’ Panel formed by the PSC pushed for major reforms on safety and governance initiatives for collegiate athletes aimed at preventing similar tragedies following a three-hour meeting. The PSC, together with partner agencies, also extended P250,000 aid each to the families of Baterbonia and Adili.

Speaking during the Sports Stakeholders’ Panel press conference, the UAAP said it is awaiting official reports before deciding on its next course of action regarding the incident. UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag added that any decision on whether to suspend Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin rests with Ateneo.

June 11: Ateneo de Manila, in a statement, presented data on what transpired that day to avoid misinformation that has been circulating on social media. It also announced that the university is conducting an inquiry on the incident. At the same time, the university said head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo have taken leaves of absences following the incident.

That same afternoon, Baldwin was seen with members of the Ateneo community attending a vigil held in memory of Baterbonia and Adili inside the campus. It was his first appearance since the incident.

READ: Baldwin attends vigil as Ateneo mourns loss of two student-athletes

June 12: Baterbonia’s remains arrived at the Ateneo de Davao University. The school announced that it is hosting a public viewing at the Christ the King Chapel on the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School-Bangkal Campus until June 14

READ: Welcome home, Bobet: Davao City pays tribute to Rene Baterbonia
Rene's family mourns the death of the young star.
Rene's family mourns the death of the young star.

Meanwhile, Elias Adili sought for answers and justice for the death of his son, Divine, in a Facebook post.

On Friday evening, Tab Baldwin finally broke his silence and issued a four-minute public apology, stating he has failed as a leader, as a coach and as a friend to both Divine and Rene.

June 13: In a surprise social media post, Baldwin’s estranged wife, Efi, disclosed she has warned Ateneo to keep him away from children. She also alleged that Ateneo put up a campaign through intimidation after relaying her concerns to the administration.

Ateneo also held a candle light service for Adili.

June 14: Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has offered scholarships for all six siblings of Rene Baterbonia. Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila withdrew its participation in the ongoing 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup.

June 15: Ateneo de Manila University has accepted the resignations of men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo, effective immediately.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Ateneo President Fr. Bobby Yap SJ announced the development, saying the university continues to address the consequences of the tragedy.
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