Ateneo apologizes, launches probe after athletes’ deaths

Insider Spotlight

• Ateneo issued an unreserved apology to the families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili following the June 8 tragedy.
• The university formed an independent fact-finding body and pledged full cooperation with government investigations.
• Ateneo accepted the resignation of longtime Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin effective immediately.
  
  
  

Ateneo de Manila University on Monday publicly apologized to the families of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, whose deaths in a June 8 incident have triggered grief, scrutiny, and calls for accountability across the university community.  

During a press conference at the university’s Loyola Heights campus, Ateneo President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ acknowledged the pain caused by the tragedy and the institution’s delayed public communication, while emphasizing that the school had focused its immediate efforts on supporting the bereaved families.  

The big picture

“We are truly, deeply sorry. We apologize unreservedly to the families, and to our entire community, for the agonizing pain of this tragedy,” Yap said.

Yap said the university had offered assistance from the outset, including travel arrangements, funeral-related expenses, and other forms of support for both families. 

The university also coordinated with Ateneo de Davao University in assisting Baterbonia’s family and offered to cover costs related to Adili’s family, including travel and the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria.  

Why it matters

The university said all available information and accounts currently indicate that the incident was a “tragic accident,” but stressed that it is not avoiding accountability and remains committed to determining the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.  

To strengthen transparency, Ateneo’s Board of Trustees has formed an independent fact-finding body composed of external legal and technical experts. 

The panel will operate outside the university’s administrative structure and report directly to the board. Ateneo also pledged full cooperation with civil and regulatory investigations.  

What’s next

The university said it will examine allegations regarding prior safety concerns and claims of institutional intimidation through a forensic review of records and communications. 

An initial review found no documented complaints or warnings related to the matter, according to the statement.  

Ateneo also announced that it had accepted the resignation of Blue Eagles head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin, effective immediately, as the institution undertakes a broader review of its athletic programs and safety protocols.  

The university said it is committed to rebuilding trust within the Ateneo community while continuing to support the grieving families, student-athletes, coaches, and staff affected by the tragedy. —Daxim L. Lucas| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma