What was meant to strengthen bonds ahead of a new season instead left the Ateneo basketball community grieving the loss of two young athletes whose journeys were only beginning.
The Ateneo de Manila University community was struck by tragedy on Monday after the school confirmed the deaths of men’s basketball players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia following an incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The deaths have cast a shadow over a program preparing for the future, with one player already carving out a role for the Blue Eagles and another still waiting for his opportunity to make his mark in the UAAP.
“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 school wrote.
According to the Police Regional Office 3, initial reports indicated that the two players were swimming when they were reportedly carried by strong currents into deeper waters.
Authorities have since appealed to the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while the investigation remains ongoing.
For Ateneo, the tragedy represents the loss of two athletes at different stages of their basketball careers but united by a shared dream of representing the Blue Eagles.
Adili, 21, had already begun establishing himself in the collegiate ranks. During UAAP Season 88, he appeared in 11 games and averaged 8.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, emerging as one of Ateneo’s promising young frontcourt players.
Baterbonia, meanwhile, was still preparing for his first opportunity to suit up in the UAAP. The 19-year-old recently represented Davao in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur and was expected to join Ateneo’s roster for UAAP Season 89 later this year.
Their deaths sent shockwaves throughout the Philippine basketball community, prompting an outpouring of condolences from organizations and individuals across the sport.
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Ateneo de Manila University statement on Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.https://t.co/5Etm4I4k14 pic.twitter.com/AIXLWQOGkG
— Ateneo de Manila University (@ateneodemanilau) June 8, 2026
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas expressed its sympathy and offered support to those affected by the tragedy.
“As the National Sports Association for basketball, the SBP has been in communication with the University’s basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed, with particular attention given to those most affected by this tragic incident,” the SBP said in a statement.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines also paid tribute to the two student-athletes.
“Rest in peace, Rene and Divine,” the league wrote.
Beyond the statistics, accolades, and future potential, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change. For Ateneo, the focus now shifts from basketball to mourning two young men remembered not only as athletes, but as teammates, classmates, friends, and members of a community left searching for answers and healing.
As investigations continue, the Philippine basketball world stands united in remembering Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia, two young lives lost far too soon.
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