Ateneo de Manila University's Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia. Photos from UAAP Media/NBTC. MANILA – It has been one month since the tragic team-building activity that claimed the lives of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Days after the deaths of the two members of the Ateneo men's basketball team, the families of Adili and Baterbonia began seeking answers about what really happened.
But one month after their deaths, their loved ones are still making the same appeal: for justice to be served, for the truth to come out, and for changes to be made to protect student-athletes.
"1 month na nang anak ko Ngayon Mula nang napatay cya Wala parin justice sana naman mabigyan na nanawagan po Ako sa inyo lahat wag ninyong lokohin Ang Sarili nyo," Baterbonia's mother, Rovelyn, wrote on Facebook.
"May panginoon Tayo na gabayan kayo para magsabi kayo ng totoo Kong ano talaga Ang ikamatay ng anak ko alam ko na Hindi kayo pinatulog hanggat Hindi kayo magsasabi ng totoo talagang balikbalikan kayo ng anak Kong c Rene," she added.
The Baterbonia matriarch earlier said she did not receive detailed information from Ateneo de Manila University after her son's death, a statement echoed by Adili's parents.
The university said the families were immediately informed of Adili and Baterbonia's deaths and were assured of its full support.
Adili's aunt also marked the one-month anniversary of the death of the Nigerian big man, whom they fondly called "Star Boy," on Facebook.
"Today marks one month since our beloved son, Divine Chukwuemeka Adili, lost his life during a school team-building exercise in the Philippines. One month has passed, yet our hearts remain broken. Not a day goes by without tears and the painful reality that you're no longer with us," Nwozor-Mabia Ogonna Grace wrote.
"We believe this heartbreaking loss could have been prevented if the necessary safety precautions had been taken. A young life full of dreams was cut short, leaving behind his family to live with unimaginable pain. Like we said before, no parent should ever have to bury their child. The pain of losing you is beyond words, and the emptiness you left behind can never be filled," she added.
Adili's aunt earlier said the 21-year-old was the family's breadwinner, providing hope for his younger siblings in Nigeria while pursuing basketball in the Philippines.
After Adili was laid to rest, his loved ones thanked those who condoled with, prayed for, and provided support to the family. But they also called for continued demands for justice, accountability, and transparency from Ateneo.
"Lord, continue to strengthen and comfort us. And to you, our beloved Chuks, thank you for the love, joy, and beautiful memories you gave us. Though you are gone, your legacy lives on in our hearts. Rest in perfect peace, our precious son. One month later, we still miss you beyond words. Forever loved. Forever remembered," she said.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Information Office of the Local Government Unit of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur said it would provide a livestream of the observance of 40 days since the young Baterbonia's passing.
The observance will take place on July 18 at the Municipal Memorial Cemetery in Labnig, where the student-athlete was laid to rest.
Talacogon Mayor Pauline Masendo encouraged individuals or groups planning activities in line with Baterbonia's 40th day to coordinate with the LGU for assistance.
Last week, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) assured the Baterbonia family of its continued pursuit of justice for the deaths of the two athletes.
The CIDG has recommended that the Department of Justice conduct preliminary investigations into possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, homicide, and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against resigned head coach Tab Baldwin and several others.
Ateneo has vowed to cooperate with law enforcement agencies while committing to review the university's athletics program for necessary reforms.
As the university observes a 40-day mourning period, it called on the community to continue praying for Adili and Baterbonia, as well as for their families and loved ones.