As Ateneo continues to mourn the loss of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, another burden has emerged for the Blue Eagles to carry.
Former Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga disclosed on Wednesday that some members of the team have been receiving threats in the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed the lives of the two student-athletes during a training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.
For Arespacochaga, the situation has become even more painful as players who are already grappling with grief and trauma are now being forced to deal with outside pressure while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
“It doesn’t help na with all of what’s happening na crazy. Wag naman po sana. Tigilan niyo naman sana. Wag na kayong mag-te-threat sa mga players. Doesn’t help the situation,” Arespacochaga told reporters following TNT’s 106-98 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The veteran coach declined to provide specifics regarding the threats but emphasized that speculation and misinformation have only complicated an already heartbreaking situation for everyone involved.
“And I think a lot of people are confused about the information going around. We can’t deny that. Hopefully, medyo may light na with what happened. It’s tragic. No way to describe it,” he added.
Authorities have since classified the incident as an accident after reports indicated that Baterbonia and Adili were swept away by strong currents while swimming.
Yet even as official investigations continue, Arespacochaga believes clarity remains crucial—not only for the public but for the families searching for answers.
Earlier in the day, he accompanied several members of the Ateneo community to Baterbonia’s wake at Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City. Ateneo athletic director Em Fernandez, along with assistant coaches Louie Alas, Dean Castano, Alton Lister, Nico Salva, and RJ Jazul, were also present.
According to Arespacochaga, the visit carried a deeper purpose beyond paying respects.
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WATCH | Gilas Youth Girls head coach and TNT Tropang 5G assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga spoke on the tragic passing of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Arespacochaga was a former assistant coach for the Blue Eagles.… pic.twitter.com/TnixRPL8RP
— Aaron Bayato. (@ajbayato) June 10, 2026
Many of the players wanted to personally speak with Baterbonia’s family, share what they knew about the events in Aurora, and grieve together during an unimaginably difficult time.
“It was very hard, of course,” said Arespacochaga.
“(They) got back yesterday but they really wanted to visit and at least get to talk to [Baterbonia’s] mom and dad and grieve. Medyo mabigat and all. Mahirap din with everything that is happening. The players, medyo traumatize pa at lahat and everything. It’s really hard.”
“Hopefully, nakausap nung a couple of our players ‘yung parents to shed some light on the situation and I think, very important, give them a chance to really grieve then for Rene and vice versa, ‘yung family,” he added.
Although no longer officially part of Ateneo’s coaching staff after taking over the Gilas Pilipinas Women U18 program, Arespacochaga admitted the tragedy remains deeply personal.
He coached Adili during UAAP Season 88 and had also been looking forward to seeing Baterbonia begin his collegiate career with the Blue Eagles.
“I’m helping out in any way I can because I was a part and even though officially, I’m not part, in title, these are my fellow coaches, these are my players. Divine is my player. Si Rene is a player of Ateneo de Davao, and supposed to be a player for Ateneo de Manila. It doesn’t make me any better. I’m devastated,” said Arespacochaga.
In the midst of the grief, he urged patience as various probes and fact-finding efforts seek to establish a complete account of what happened.
“I think may mga probes or fact-finding para at least talagang ma-verify what really happened and to shed light. I think the right information is really important,” said Arespacochaga.
For now, the focus remains on supporting a devastated team and two grieving families—while hoping the search for answers is allowed to proceed without adding further pain to those already carrying the weight of loss.
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