Why did Ateneo stay silent? Out of 'respect' for families, execs say

MANILA, Philippines — The silence from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) a week after the deaths of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili was meant to respect the grieving families, school officials said on Monday.

In a statement read during a press conference, ADMU President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, said the university “chose direct, involved action for the families and the members of the team” instead of broadcasting these to the public.

“The few public updates were not because we did not care for the bereaved families. We believe — and continue to believe — that public relations or institutional noise should not intrude upon a family’s grief,” Yap said.

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“We are truly sorry for not being quick at informing the public of the developments, which has led to perceptions of inaction. We focus on being present for the grieving families in their darkest hour,” he added.

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Baterbonia and Adili died from drowning in Aurora last June 8, during the Ateneo men’s basketball squad’s team-building activity.

According to Yap, Ateneo reached out to Baterbonia’s family from day one, noting that they extended every possible assistance.

“While we chose not to immediately broadcast our actions, our commitment on the ground was immediate and full. From day one, the university reached out to provide full support to the families. We offered to shoulder all travel costs of Rene’s family from Agusan to Manila so that they could be with him,” Yap explained.

“When they chose to accept the kind and generous offer of the Agusan del Sur governor, our hand remains extended. We are also very thankful to Ateneo de Davao University and the president, Fr. Karel San Juan, with whom we have been in close coordination since June 8, for their full support and assistance to Bobet’s family throughout this time,” he added.

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Regarding Adili, Yap said Ateneo offered to cover all funeral expenses, including the transportation of Adili’s family from Nigeria to the Philippines and the repatriation of the former cager’s remains.

“We share these details to assure everyone that we have been working tirelessly to fulfill our duties of care, quietly and respectfully where it matters most,” he added.

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Later, Yap and other Ateneo officials were asked whether they thought it was wrong on their part to provide few updates since the two student-athletes died on June 8.

Fr. RB Hizon, SJ, director of ADMU’s alumni affairs, said their priority was to condole with the families, hence the late updates.

“Ateneo really prioritized the families. We did not want to act prematurely even if there were things and questions coming out because we respect the families. There are many things… it is hard to talk about. But we deeply respect the families,” he explained in Filipino.

Yap added that he was at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City — where Baterbonia’s wake was initially held — when the student-athlete’s mother arrived from Agusan.

“I met her in a room, and then the room was closed. I will no longer mention what happened inside the room. But I was there personally, and I was there to condole with the family,” he said in Filipino.

“We did not want to delay the release of updates, but our intention right there and then was consolation and the decency of grieving, so I did not explain the details of what happened,” he added.

His statement also included Ateneo’s apology to the bereaved families and the entire Ateneo community, saying that they must “look inward” and evaluate their system to ensure student-athletes remain safe and can fulfill their dreams.

“Two young men entrusted to our care did not return home, and that fact breaks our hearts. No explanation, context, or words can undo that loss. We face this moment with absolute humility, and we ask your prayers and your forgiveness,” he added.

READ: Ateneo head apologizes: 2 young men entrusted to us didn’t return home

Yap also vowed to take action to prevent similar incidents, including the formation of an independent fact-finding body that would review the policies implemented for student-athletes.

He also confirmed that ADMU had accepted the resignations of men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo.

READ: Who is Tab Baldwin? Ateneo coach faces scrutiny after tragedy

Baterbonia, 19, played in the Palarong Pambansa finals two weeks before his death and committed to the Blue Eagles program, while 21-year-old Nigerian foreign student Adili played in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

READ: Ateneo players ‘were swimming when carried by strong current’ – police

According to the initial report from the Police Regional Office 3, Baterbonia and Adili “were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters.” Police also said an investigation is underway.

Several lawmakers have vowed to file a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the incident.

According to members of the House of Representatives’ Young Guns bloc, the investigation would allow lawmakers to craft laws that will ensure the safety of student-athletes. /mcm

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