Philippine Jesuits vow to do 'what is right, just, and loving' after deaths of Adili, Baterbonia

The Society of Jesus in the Philippines said it is “heartbroken” over the deaths of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.

Aside from playing for Ateneo de Manila University, Baterbonia also suited up for Ateneo de Davao University during his high school years.

In a statement signed by Fr. Xavier Olin, SJ, Provincial of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, the Jesuits said “we will exert everything in our power to do what is right, what is just, and what is loving for our beloved students Rene, Divine, and their families.”

“We knew them and we grieve their untimely deaths. We also knew their families and friends, especially Rene’s. We can only imagine the heartache they are going through these days. We pray for them and vow everything we can do to support them in this time of grief,” the Jesuits said.

The Philippine Jesuits said they also trust in their institutions’ response to the tragedy, citing the actions taken by the Ateneo schools in Manila and Davao.

“All this notwithstanding, when we listen to the gut reactions of grief and anger coming from so many, we humbly acknowledge more could have been done in the way the tragedy has been dealt with and communicated,” said in the statement.

In the letter, Olin also said he had spoken with the leadership of the Loyola Heights campus “to see how in this devastating experience we may have better live out the Ignatian values we teach others” after members of the Ateneo community reminded the administration of its Ignatian values and moral principles.

Faculty members, students, and campus organizations of Ateneo de Manila University have issued statements and manifestations calling for transparency and accountability regarding the incident.

—JKC, GMA News