Justice for Student Athletes Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili, and their Families
- Andi Dela Torre Griffiths | Memento Vivere Blog
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
My heart goes out to the families of the two student athletes who died recently during a so-called training in Dipaculao, Province of Aurora- Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Rene was an incoming rookie at Ateneo de Manila University, and Divine was already a player for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the university's collegiate basketball varsity team. They passed away on June 8, after drowning in the sea during a water activity.
What happened
Whese players were taken to a resort for a training/team-building event. It's safe to assume there was some program to follow, and obviously, they pushed through with it. On the second day, June 8, Divine and Rene drowned during a water activity. Well, no one really knows what truly happened on that day except for those who were present, but that is what we know.
"Deadly" training led by Coach Tab Baldwin
Apparently, this said training -led by Coach Tab Baldwin- is more like a boot camp that does not involve basketball.
Former Ateneo players Tyler Tio and Gian Mamuyac revealed in a previous interview with Shoot First Podcast that the training was "deadly" because of the military-style tasks they had to do for about a week.
From the way it sounded, it seemed like a tradition the Ateneo basketball team members had to participate in. The players interviewed also mentioned the time when someone almost drowned (GBoy Babilonia) and had to be saved by the coach himself. The small bits of information they shared in the old interviews, while irrelevant then, have now helped us gain some perspective on what might have happened.
In a separate interview with another player (SJ Belangel), the training was described as "super deadly", adding that none of the players want to attend that training camp.
Here's another one with Shaun Ildefonso and Anton Asistio for Balyahan:
There are so many theories online, most of which make logical sense, but the thing is, again, the only people who know the truth are the ones who were present when the incident took place.
A Heartbreaking Tragedy | Justice for Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili
Like most people right now, I feel so bad for the student-athletes and their loved ones, because both were described as good sons and were very promising players. Divine and Rene were also the breadwinners of their families.
Divine Adili is originally from Nigeria and came to the Philippines to pursue a professional basketball career, not only to achieve his dreams, but to help his family on the other side of the world. His parents described him as the hope of their family. He was also known and remembered by his friends for his athletic skill, generosity, and gentleness.
Rene Baterbonia is a decorated player from Agusan del Sur who worked hard and became a scholar at Ateneo de Davao (and eventually, Ateneo de Manila University). Like Divine, his determination to succeed in the sport is motivated by his goal of improving his family's living conditions. It is tragic because Rene was just about to start his journey as a freshman and an athlete at his dream school, Ateneo de Manila University. He had such a bright future ahead of him.
If you watch videos of this kid, Rene, it's easy to tell what a pure soul he is. It's saddening that he'll never get the chance to fulfill his dreams for himself and his family. The same goes for Divine Adili, who is also a very kind and talented player. His previous coach said he was everybody's friend. Both of them really had that light, innocent aura- just two kids who want to play ball.
Ateneo de Manila University Administration and Coaching Staff- Take Accountability!
It has been so frustrating watching the videos of Rene and Divine's family seeking answers regarding the real circumstances of the event that took their sons' lives. No one gave them a clear explanation of what really happened after the tragedy. The coach was nowhere to be found. Nowhere! What is more unbelievable is that the university administration chose to remain silent, while the grieving mothers, Ms. Rovelyn Baterbonia and Ms. Ifeoma Adili, were left clueless about the passing of their children. Shame on Ateneo de Manila.
There was no compassion, no decency, and no regard for the families of the deceased. Two student-athletes died under the watch of their coaching staff, and it seems that the first thing they care about is protecting the image of the institution. The coach didn’t even face the parents of the boys they failed to protect. They chose to be quiet. By staying silent, they also allowed their other athletes (who were just as traumatized) to receive hate. Sad. For a top university like Ateneo de Manila, the lack of empathy and response was disappointing.
Walang pagpapakatao. Image muna.
No one wanted this to happen, but clearly, there was negligence on the part of the university administration and the coaching staff who were aware of this trip. It was an accident that could have been prevented. The warning signs were there, yet they were all ignored. Now, two lifeless bodies are returning to Davao and Nigeria. There is no coming back from that.
This tragic event has touched so many people, and just like you, I have so many questions for the staff and administration regarding the team building/training:
Why would you train at the open sea without any safety protocols in place?
Why were the warnings of the resort staff ignored?
If they have been doing this for years, why were there no medics or lifeguards within the vicinity where they conducted the water activities? How come the risks were not assessed?
Has no one from the coaching staff raised any concern about training in the open waters, considering that there has already been a previous incident in which one of their players almost drowned?
Was this training required for all new players of the basketball team?
Would there have been consequences if they hesitated to join?
Divine Adili’s mother said his son doesn’t know how to swim. Was he still made to swim in the waters?
Did the players have the option to refuse? Or were they made to feel pressured to partake in the boot camp to be accepted in the group?
Anyway, I think I’ll stop here. It is already late here, and the thought of two dreamers losing their lives because of other people’s negligence is infuriating.
May their beautiful souls rest in peace 🕊️ May justice be served for Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
