Athletes, celebrities, and basketball fans mourned the passing of Ateneo de Manila University players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia.
It was announced last June 8 that Divine and Rene Clert passed away during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. The Philippine National Police Aurora Provincial Office shared that there is no indication of foul play.
UAAP: Ateneo’s Adili, Baterbonia pass away in drowning incident
Former UAAP players and celebrities have expressed their condolences in the comment section of various reports on social media.
“Too soon,” Ateneo superstar Kiefer Ravena wrote.
“Prayers up,” Bobby Ray Parks Jr. expressed.
“🙏🙏🙏,” Pinoy Big Brother alum Fred Moser added.
Meanwhile, Janine Gutierrez and Sam Y.G. are some of the Ateneo alumni who are also mourning the passing of the two basketball stars.
“Heartbreaking,” Janine expressed.
“Too soon,” Sam Y.G. added.
Various netizens have expressed their disappointment and anger on social media following the tragic announcement. Other netizens maintained that certain people should be held accountable and must answer to the families of the two UAAP athletes.
Ateneo has since released a statement which confirmed the passing of Divine and Rene Clert. They assured the public that they are providing support to the families of the late athletes and asked for privacy during this time of grieving.
“As a community, we mourn with the families and loved ones of Rene and Divine and entrust them to God’s loving mercy. We ask for continued prayers for all who are affected by this tragedy,” the statement shared.
Details of the wake and funeral have yet to be announced as of this writing.
READ: PNP Aurora says no foul play in drowning of Ateneo's Adili, Baterbonia
Divine previously competed in the UAAP, representing Ateneo in Season 88, wherein he averaged 8.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in the 11 games he played. Meanwhile, Rene Clert came to Ateneo fresh from his Palarong Pambansa experience and was set to be one of the rookies of the Blue-and-White.