ATENEO de Manila University on Friday welcomed the UAAP’s decision allowing its men’s basketball team to compete in Season 89, saying the Blue Eagles’ return to the court represents an important step in the players’ healing following the deaths of teammates Divine Adili and Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia.
“The University welcomes the decision of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors and Board of Trustees to allow the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team to participate in the upcoming season,” the university said in a statement.
“We are grateful that our student-athletes will once again have the opportunity to represent the University in the UAAP. For our players, this is more than a return to competition. It is an important step forward in their continuing journey of healing as a team and as young men who continue to grieve the loss of their brothers, Divine Adili and Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ Baterbonia.”
The statement was issued after the UAAP announced that Ateneo would remain eligible to participate in Season 89 despite imposing sanctions arising from its investigation into the June 8 tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora. The league permanently banned former head coach Tab Baldwin from all UAAP competitions and related activities, indefinitely suspended team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo and several members of the coaching and support staff, and directed the university to strengthen the governance and oversight of its men’s basketball program.
Ateneo said it respects the disciplinary measures imposed by the league, adding that it “acknowledge[s] the other decisions of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors and Board of Trustees and respect[s] the sanctions that have been imposed.”
The university also pledged to reinforce its policies, systems, and safeguards to better protect the safety and well-being of its student-athletes while supporting their holistic formation.
“We will continue to learn from what has happened and undertake the measures necessary to live up to the responsibility and trust placed in us,” it said.
Remembering Adili and Baterbonia, Ateneo described the Blue Eagles as “more than a basketball team,” saying the players are united by “trust, sacrifice, and care they have for one another.”
“Divine and Rene will remain with them every time they put on the Ateneo jersey and take it to the court,” the statement said. “The Blue Eagles have always been more than a basketball team. They are brothers.”
The university said the loss of the two players “will always be part of our story” and offered prayers for their families and loved ones, adding that the team would carry their memory throughout the coming season.
Ateneo also called on the university community to stand as “One Ateneo” in supporting the Blue Eagles and the school’s other varsity teams as they continue their journey of healing, growth, resilience, excellence, and formation.
