Ateneo recruit Rene Baterbonia, foreign student athlete Divine Adili die in drowning incident

The Philippine sports community is mourning the loss of incoming Ateneo de Manila University rookie Rene Baterbonia and foreign student athlete Divine Adili, who both tragically died in a drowning incident on Monday, June 8.

According to Ateneo, the incident happened during a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

"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," Ateneo said in a statement.

"We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time."

Baterbonia, a former Palarong Pambansa champion and MVP with Ateneo de Davao, was set to start his collegiate journey with the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89.

The 19-year-old, 6-foot-4 Baterbonia was coming off a runner-up finish with the Davao Region team in the recently concluded 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, where they fell to Region IV-A in the finals and missed out on a second straight championship.

He was also seen watching Ateneo's recent game against Adamson University in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Adili, meanwhile, was Ateneo's reinforcement in Season 88, where the Blue Eagles finished with a 6-8 card.

"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," Ateneo added.

"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."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News