Vice President Duterte says Ateneo response to Baterbonia death fell short, urges family to seek legal counsel

DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte said Ateneo de Manila University’s response to the death of student-athlete Rene Clert Baterbonia was insufficient, saying the family should consider legal options after mourning and burial arrangements.

Asked for her thoughts on Baterbonia’s death, Duterte called the incident saddening, describing him as a student and a promising national athlete.

“Pakiramdam ko kulang na kulang ’yung response ng Ateneo sa nangyari,” Duterte said to Paraluman News.

Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. Ateneo said it was providing support to the families and to affected members of the university community.

“Dapat kasi sa mga ganyan na mga panahon ay nauuna ’yung pag-reach out nila sa pamilya at pagpapaintindi sa pamilya kung ano ’yung nangyari,” she said.

When asked whether she was joining calls for justice, Duterte replied: “Of course, yes.” She added that, as a lawyer, she believed the incident was “actionable.”

“Hindi ko na lang gatungan ’yung pamilya kasi alam mo, mahirap ’yung pinagdadaanan nila ngayon,” she said. “Pero dapat sila… pagkatapos ng lahat ng kanilang kailangan gawin para sa burol at pagpapalibing ng kanilang anak, ay umupo sila at mag-isip kung ano ’yung dapat na gawin nila para mabigyan ng hustisya ’yung kanilang anak.”

Duterte said the family should act legally and consult a lawyer.

Baterbonia’s cause of death was asphyxia by drowning, based on a post-mortem examination certificate. Police said the investigation was continuing and that authorities had yet to determine whether there was negligence or liability involving the coaching staff, resort or school administration.

Duterte said she had asked whether there would be a wake in Davao City and would check the schedule once finalized to see where she could pay respects to the family.