Ateneo urges public to avoid cyberbullying amid probe into Baterbonia, Adili deaths

Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday appealed to the public to refrain from cyberbullying, online harassment, and spreading unverified information as investigations continue into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In a statement, the university said some of the students whose names and images have circulated online are young people going through an “extraordinarily difficult experience” in the wake of the tragedy.

“We respectfully urge everyone to refrain from cyberbullying, online harassment, the spread of unverified information, and personal attacks against those involved,” Ateneo said in a social media post.

“Let us allow the appropriate processes to determine the facts, remembering that the pursuit of accountability must never come at the expense of our shared humanity,” it added.

The statement came after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) recommended the filing of complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, against 11 individuals in connection with the drowning deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officials said investigators found that Ateneo players were allegedly subjected to extreme physical activities, punishment exercises, and sea-based training under hazardous conditions before the two student-athletes drowned on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The university, however, stressed that regardless of the outcome of the ongoing investigations, the students involved deserve to be treated with fairness, dignity, and humanity.

It said public criticism of the incident should not descend into threats, ridicule, or abuse against students and their families.

Baterbonia, an incoming rookie for the Blue Eagles and a former Palarong Pambansa standout, and Adili, Ateneo’s foreign student-athlete for UAAP Season 88, died in the incident, which has sparked calls for accountability within the university community and the wider public.

Ateneo said it continues to grieve the loss while fully cooperating with investigators, and called on the public to let compassion guide discussions surrounding the incident.—MCG, GMA News