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Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia of the Ateneo Blue Eagles have passed away following an unfortunate offseason accident.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles have are now in mourning following the untimely passing of rookie Renee Clert Baterbonia and foreign student-athlete Divine Adili.
Ateneo confirmed the development late Monday night, with the two Blue Eagles being involved in a “drowning incident” during their team-building in Dipaculao, Aurora.
“It is with profound sadness that Ateneo de Manila University confirms the passing of two student-athletes of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, following a drowning incident that occurred during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on the afternoon of June 8, 2026,” read Ateneo’s statement.
“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.”
Adili was the Blue Eagles’ foreign student-athlete in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament. Despite being limited by a back injury, the 21-year-old showed promise, putting up 8.36 points and 8.27 rebounds in 11 elimination round games played.
Baterbonia, meanwhile, was a former Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player who committed to Ateneo last February. In his high school swan song, the 19-year-old led Davao Region to a silver-medal finish against Calabarzon at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa.
“The University is providing support to the families of Rene and Divine, as well as to their teammates and members of the Ateneo community affected by this tragedy. We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss.”
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.