In a statement issued June 12, Jesuit Provincial Fr. Xavier Olin said the religious order remains committed to accompanying the families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili as they mourn the loss of their sons.
Baterbonia, 18, and Adili, 21, drowned Monday during a team-building activity of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Authorities said there is no sign of foul play, but investigations are ongoing.
“We assure our communities and the general public that 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,” Olin said.
Baterbonia was a recent graduate of Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School and was seen as one of the country’s promising young basketball players.
Adili, a Nigerian center, joined Ateneo for UAAP Season 88 and quickly became a key player for the Blue Eagles.
The statement said members of the Jesuit community are mourning with the victims’ families, classmates, teammates and friends.
Olin said Jesuits “can only imagine the heartache” being endured by the families and pledged continued support during their time of loss.
The Jesuit leader also acknowledged criticism on how the incident was handled and communicated, saying Jesuit leaders have heard the “grief and anger” expressed by alumni and the wider community.
“We humbly acknowledge more could have been done in the way the tragedy has been dealt with and communicated,” Olin said.“
The Jesuits said Ateneo leaders have taken steps in response, including reaching out to the families, launching an internal investigation and providing pastoral care to those affected.
