Two Ateneo Basketball Players Drown During Team-Building Activity at Aurora Resort
Two Ateneo basketball players died in a drowning incident during a team-building event. Their families have requested an autopsy and repatriation of remains.
RapplerRene Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, drowned on June 8, 2026, during the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ team building at a private resort in Dipaculao, Aurora. Baterbonia played for Ateneo de Davao Blue Knights. Adili, who was Nigerian, played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Their remains were transferred on the morning of June 9 from Aurora Memorial Hospital to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City. Baterbonia’s parents and brother flew from Davao City to meet the remains. Ateneo president Fr.
Roberto Yap met and consoled the family, joined them in prayer, and blessed Baterbonia’s remains. Baterbonia’s parents requested an autopsy. Ateneo coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to facilitate the process.
Adili’s family asked Ateneo to return his remains to Nigeria to follow family and cultural practices. Ateneo stated it is assisting Adili’s family with arrangements and is awaiting written authorization to begin processing documentation. No final arrangements for the wakes of either player have been confirmed as of June 9.
The rest of the Blue Eagles players and coaches returned from Aurora on June 9 and took part in psychological processing and counseling facilitated by the school. Ateneo said it is pursuing a careful and thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the deaths. “We understand the grief, pain, and many questions and concerns that members of our community may be experiencing.
As we continue to accompany the families, the team, and all those affected, we ask for patience, compassion, and prayers for everyone who is carrying the burden of this loss,” Ateneo stated. “The University remains committed to caring for the Baterbonia and Adili families, supporting the team and coaching staff, and pursuing a careful and thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” the statement continued.
