Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ on Sunday apologized to the families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the two members of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team who died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement, Yap expressed sorrow over the tragedy and acknowledged the pain being endured by the families of the two student-athletes.
“We are truly, deeply sorry,” Yap said.
“It breaks our hearts that two young men entrusted to our care did not return home. No explanation, context, or words can undo that loss. We face this moment with absolute humility and we ask for your prayers and your forgiveness,” he added.
Baterbonia and Adili died after they were swept away during a team-building activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao on June 8.
The incident has prompted separate investigations by authorities and the university.
Yap said Ateneo has established an independent fact-finding body tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two players.
The university said the inquiry will seek to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether existing safety protocols were followed.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have drawn widespread public attention, with their families seeking answers regarding the events that led to the tragedy.
Ateneo earlier said it is fully cooperating with ongoing investigations being conducted by authorities.
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