Former volleyball player Gretchen Ho once again called out her former school, Ateneo de Manila University, as she seeks answers over the deaths of basketball players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia. Sharing the Statement made by the university earlier this week, the former student-athlete of the Blue-and-White expressed how it was not the Ateneo that she once knew.
Divine and Rene Clert tragically passed away on June 8 during a team-building activity held at Aurora. Calls for justice have been made on social media following the drowning incident.
“I do not understand how difficult it is to at least give apologies, comfort and condolences. May namatayan. The fact-finding can wait. It has its own time,” Gretchen asserted.
She then shared her opinion on what “basic humanity” is following the statement released by her alma mater. In their statement, Ateneo revealed that they requested Coach Tab Baldwin to refrain from “making public statements” as they continue to establish the facts.
“Basic humanity dictates at least showing up for the bereaved. This is not the Ateneo I know,” Gretchen maintained.
Friends of the Kapamilya host shared the same sentiments in the comment section of her post. Other alumni of the university have also expressed their disappointment over the statement made by their alma mater.
“I completely agree, Gretchen. What was desperately needed was a human face. Someone prepared to show empathy and compassion. Instead, they retreated behind the safety of these PR posts. The most disappointing part is that they seem to still not understand why people expected more,” a friend wrote.
“This statement has been sanitized by PR and Legal experts, it has lost its soul, humanity and heart,” a netizen expressed.
Ateneo previously released a statement that confirmed the passing of Divine and Rene Clert. They have since assured the public that they are providing support to the families of the late athletes and urged everyone to continue praying as they “navigate this dark chapter.”
Results from their fact-finding inquiry have yet to be released as of this writing.