Jimmy Alapag mourns Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili after drowning tragedy

Jimmy Alapag expressed his condolences to the families of Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, saying the tragedy is one that no parent should ever have to experience.

On Thursday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the new NLEX Road Warriors head coach said his thoughts are first with the parents of the two student-athletes.

“I think first as a parent because we have our own kids. And I think, obviously, it was a very tragic situation. So, you know, our heart goes out to the parents first and foremost,” Jimmy said.

He added that while the loss has deeply affected the basketball community and the country, the families remain at the center of everyone's prayers.

“Obviously, it was devastating to the country, to the basketball community, but I think first and foremost, again, I think our heart goes out just to the families. Kasi, you know, it’s a tragedy that you'd never wish on any parent,” he said.

Rene and Divine died in a drowning incident on June 8 while participating in a team-building activity for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Dipaculao, Aurora.

On Wednesday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group recommended the filing of homicide and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide charges against former Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin and eight others.

Authorities said there was a clear link between the negligence and the deaths of Rene and Divine. —Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA News