Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21, drowned on June 8 during the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ annual boot camp in Dipaculao, Aurora. The incident has prompted statements from the university and questions about its handling of the team program.
The drownings occurred during the team’s annual training session. Ateneo de Manila University issued several statements, including one on June 11 that defended coach Tab Baldwin’s decision to remain silent. The university said it had asked Baldwin to refrain from public comments to allow an official process to proceed.
Baldwin had previously described the training in a 2017 interview as designed to “break the man” and reduce players’ egos. Former players have referred to the sessions as “hell week” and “military training.”
The family of Baterbonia reportedly sought assistance from the Agusan del Sur governor to travel to Manila after the deaths. University statements expressed sadness but drew criticism for their wording and lack of visible leadership presence.
