Remains of Ateneo student-athletes arrive in QC; Baterbonia's family requests autopsy, Adili's remains to be flown home to Nigeria

Ateneo de Manila University said that the remains of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili arrived in Manila on Tuesday morning as their families, teammates, and the sports community continue to mourn their tragic deaths in a drowning incident in Aurora.

Ateneo said Baterbonia's and Adili's remains were transferred from Aurora Memorial Hospital to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City following the incident that occurred on Monday in Dipaculao during a team-building activity with the Blue Eagles.

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

The family of the 19-year-old Baterbonia, who arrived in Manila today, has requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death while Adili's family is arranging for his remains to be returned to Nigeria.

"Since the incident, the University has been working closely with the families of Rene and Divine to provide support and assistance during this difficult time," Ateneo said in a new statement.

"At the request of Rene's parents, an autopsy will be conducted. The University, through Arlington, has coordinated with the appropriate authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), to facilitate this process."

"The family of Divine Adili has expressed its wish to have his remains returned to Nigeria, in keeping with family and cultural practices that are important to them."

Ateneo shared that it continues to assist Baterbonia's and Adili's families, especially with the necessary requirements to begin processing the relevant documentation.

The University also clarified that no final arrangements for the wakes of Baterbonia and Adili have been confirmed as of this writing.

"The University will continue to coordinate closely with both families and will provide appropriate information once plans have been finalized."

Meanwhile, Ateneo said that members of the Blue Eagles, including players and coaching staff, have returned from their Aurora trip and have undergone psychological processing and counseling sessions facilitated by the school.

"The University recognizes that the emotional impact of this tragedy extends beyond a single session and has committed to providing continuing counseling, psychological support, and other forms of care for the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the days and weeks ahead."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News