 |
| Ateneo mourns the passing of high school sensation Rene Baterbonia and also Divine Adili. FilOil EcoOil Sports (file photo) |
MANILA—The Ateneo community is in mourning following the tragic passing of two members of the Blue Eagles' men’s basketball program, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who lost their lives in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday.
The heartbreaking news sent shockwaves throughout Philippine collegiate basketball, as both players were regarded as important pieces of Ateneo’s future and carried with them stories of determination and promise.
"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. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time," the academe said in a statement.
Baterbonia, just 19 years old, was among the highly touted recruits of the Blue Eagles heading into UAAP Season 89.
The Agusan del Sur native rose to fame through his standout performances in the Palarong Pambansa.
In 2025, he led the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) to a historic championship run, earning Most Valuable Player honors.
His success continued in 2026 when he once again earned Mythical Five recognition after helping DAVRAA secure a runner-up finish in the Palarong Pambansa held in Agusan del Sur.
Alongside him was Divine Adili, a 21-year-old Nigerian center whose basketball journey took him from the grassroots ranks to one of the country’s most prestigious collegiate programs.
Standing 6-foot-10, Adili first made a name for himself while playing for New Era University, where he helped the Junior Hunters capture back-to-back NAASCU juniors championships and earned consecutive Most Valuable Player awards.
Adili later joined Ateneo and quickly became one of the most promising young big men in the program.
In Ateneo's statement, the university said that it will provide support to the families of Rene and Divine, as well as to their teammates and members of the Ateneo community affected by this tragedy.
