Nagdadalamhati ang sports community sa Pilipinas sa pagpanaw ng incoming rookie ng Ateneo de Manila University na si Rene Baterbonia at ng foreign student-athlete na si Divine Adili, dahil sa insidente ng pagkalunod habang dumadalo sa team-building activity sa Dipaculao, Aurora nitong Lunes.
"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," saad sa pahayag ng Ateneo.
"We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time," patuloy nito.
Nakatakda sanang simulan ni Baterbonia, dating kampeon at Most Valuable Player (MVP) sa Palarong Pambansa habang naglalaro para sa Ateneo de Davao, ang kaniyang collegiate basketball career kasama ang Blue Eagles sa UAAP Season 89.
Nagmula sa pagiging runner-up ang koponan ng Davao Region sa katatapos lamang na Palarong Pambansa 2026 sa Agusan del Sur ang 19-anyos at 6-foot-4 na si Baterbonia. Natalo sila ng Region IV-A sa finals, at nabigong makuha ang ikalawang sunod sana nilang kampeonato.
Nakita pa si Baterbonia na nanonood ng laban ng Ateneo kontra Adamson University sa FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup noong Sabado.
Samantala, nagsilbing reinforcement player ng Ateneo sa UAAP Season 88 ang 21-anyos na si Adili, kung saan nagtapos ang Blue Eagles sa kartadang 6 panalo at 8 talo.
"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," saad ng Ateneo.
"We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss. As a community, we mourn with the families and loved ones of Rene and Divine and entrust them to God's loving mercy," dagdag nito. —Bea Micaller/FRJ GMA News
