Aurora, Basketball Players Divine Adili, 21, and Rete Clert Baterbonia, 19, Drown During Ateneo Blue Eagles Team Activity

Two members of the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team died on Monday afternoon after drowning during a school-organized team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The university confirmed the deaths of Divine Adili, 21, and Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, sending shockwaves through the Philippine basketball community just days before the start of a new academic and athletic season.

Ateneo released a statement Monday evening expressing grief over the loss.

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“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,” the statement read.

The university said it is providing support to the families of both players, as well as to their teammates and the wider Ateneo community.

The Police Regional Office 3 said initial findings indicate that the two players were swimming when a strong current carried them into deeper waters. Authorities asked the public to withhold judgment and refrain from spreading speculation while their investigation continues.

A Rising Star Who Never Got His Chance

Baterbonia’s death was particularly heartbreaking given how close he was to realizing a dream he had worked toward for years.

The 19-year-old from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, had only recently been confirmed as part of the Ateneo lineup for UAAP Season 89, which had yet to begin.

He had competed at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, representing the Davao Region, where he played alongside other players from Ateneo de Davao University under the DAVRAA Eagles banner. He had previously been named Most Valuable Player at the Palarong Pambansa in 2025.

Just days before his death, on May 31, the last day of the Palarong Pambansa, Baterbonia posted a reflective message on Facebook.

“From dreams and sacrifices to unforgettable memories, my Palarong Pambansa journey has been one of the greatest chapters of my life,” he wrote, signing off as jersey number 2 of the DAVRAA Eagles.

He spoke of growth, friendships, and gratitude. It would be one of his final public messages.

Adili, meanwhile, was already a familiar face in UAAP competition. The foreign recruit had played for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88, averaging 8.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 11 games, establishing himself as a key frontcourt presence for the team.

Basketball Community Mourns

Both the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines issued statements of condolence.

The SBP said it had been in contact with Ateneo basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed, particularly for those most affected. The UAAP posted simply:

“Rest in peace, Rene and Divine.”

On social media, calls mounted for the university to conduct a full and transparent investigation into how the incident occurred during what was meant to be a supervised activity. Ateneo said details on wake and funeral arrangements would be announced once finalized with the families. The university asked for privacy for all those grieving.