By Aine Peralta
Far Eastern University (FEU) Athletic Department has expressed its condolences to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) community earlier today, June 9, following the tragic passing of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Ateneo released an official statement yesterday, June 8, confirming that the two members of the Blue Eagle men’s basketball team passed away following a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on the afternoon of the same day.
In a statement released on Facebook, the FEU Athletic Department expressed solidarity with their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) peers during this time of grief, offering sympathies to everyone affected by the tragedy.
“We grieve with their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and the entire Ateneo community during this time of profound loss… The Tamaraws stand in solidarity with the Ateneo Blue Eagles as we honor the lives and aspirations of Rene and Divine,” the statement read.
Following the news of their passing, an outpour of sympathy emerged across the local sports community, with various green-and-gold athletes sharing their tributes for their fallen peers.
Among those who offered prayers and condolences were Tamaraw men’s basketball head coach Sean Chambers and players Jedric Daa and Janrey Pasaol, Doula Ndongala of the men’s volleyball team, along with Theo Libarnes and Karl Absalon of the men’s football team.
The FEU Athletic Department’s statement concluded with prayers and a call for the eternal repose of the two student-athletes.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May they rest in peace,” the statement expressed.
In a recent announcement, AdMU stated that they are currently coordinating and providing direct support to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, as well as to their teammates.
The Katipunan-based institution also respectfully requested privacy and space for the bereaved as they come to terms with the loss, further asking the community for continued prayers for everyone affected by the tragedy.
(Photo courtesy of FEU Athletics)