Grief pours out over passing of 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP and his Nigerian Ateneo teammate

TRIGGER WARNING: This story mentions fatal drowning. According to the World Health Organization, three outcomes are possible from drowning: death, morbidity (sickness or injury), and no morbidity. WHO estimates that around 300,000 deaths occur worldwide every year from drowning.

Left: Rene Clert Baterbonia (a screen grab from his Facebook page). Right: Divine Adili (UAAP Media Photos) Images posted on the Philippine News Agency

Philippine sports organizations, personalities, and government agencies expressed grief over the passing of Rene Clert Baterbonia, the Most Valuable Player in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa and his Nigerian teammate in the Ateneo Men's Basketball team, Divine Adili.

Ateneo de Manila University said Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, drowned on Monday (June 8, 2026) during a team building activity of the Blue Eagles in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Baterbonia, star player of Ateneo de Davao, led Davao Region in winning the boys’ basketball gold medal in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He was also named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and a member of the Mythical Five.

Baterbonia was supposed to debut this year in the upcoming Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). He had just moved into the Ateneo campus in Quezon City a week before the tragedy happened.

On the other hand, Adili suited up for Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88. Ateneo has had 12 UAAP championships from 1987 to 2022 but in 2025, during the UAAP Season 88, Ateneo only placed sixth out of eight men's basketball teams.

In statement posted on Facebook, Ateneo said, “The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time."

“We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss,” Ateneo said.

Meanwhile, a report of the Philippine News Agency said Baterbonia’s alma mater in Agusan del Sur, the Talacogon National High School (TNHS), also expressed grief over his passing.

On Facebook, the school said it is “deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of one of our most brilliant former students and athletes.”

“Before he became a household name on the national hardcourt, Rene Clert was our pride -- a dedicated student, a fierce competitor, and an inspiration to his fellow students. His journey from the courts of TNHS to the grand stages of Philippine sports was nothing short of legendary,” it added.

The school said Baterbonia will be remembered for his humility despite having brought pride to their school by winning championships and trophies.

"He proved that no matter how small the town, dreams can grow big enough to conquer the national stage," the school said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) also expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Baterbonia.

"Nakikiramay ang Department of Education (DepEd) sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, teammates, coaches, at mga mahal sa buhay ni Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia."

"Isang proud na produkto ng Talacogon National High School sa Agusan del Sur at kinatawan ng Ateneo de Davao University, si Bobet ay nagbigay ng karangalan sa Davao Region dahil sa kanyang husay, dedikasyon, at sportsmanship. Siya ang kinilalang Most Valuable Player ng 2025 Palarong Pambansa Secondary Boys Basketball Finals at naging mahalagang bahagi ng kanyang koponan na nagtapos bilang runner-up sa 2026 Palarong Pambansa. Parte rin siya ng Philippine team na nagwagi ng ginto sa 2025 ASEAN Schools Games," DepEd said.

EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY

Meanwhile, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) also expressed its sympathies over the passing of Baterbonia and Adili.

“As the national sports association for basketball, the SBP has been in communication with the university's basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed, with particular attention given to those most affected by this tragic incident,” SMB said.

“During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the families, teammates, coaches, friends and the entire Ateneo community. We join them in mourning this heartbreaking loss and offer our prayers for strength, comfort and healing.”

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) also extended its condolences to the families of the players and pledged full support in the ongoing investigation into their deaths.

-Paraluman News