Ateneo de Manila University has established a Task Force on Reforming the University Athletics Program and appointed Fr. Roberto Rivera, SJ as its head, following the deaths of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.
The formation of the task force comes amid a broader institutional review of the university’s athletic systems and oversight structures, as questions continue to be raised about governance within varsity programs in the aftermath of the incident.
In the days following the tragedy, Ateneo’s University Athletics Office informed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group that the men’s basketball program is “autonomous and independently run by a foundation,” a position later echoed during a town hall meeting held last June 16 by Office of College Athletics representative Benjo Afuang.
“What was the role of the university athletics in approving the team-building? The answer is none… It was asked if the university athletics knew about it, if it was brought to them, and if they sought approval. The answer is no,” Afuang said during the forum,
In a statement presented by Ateneo President Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, the university said Fr. Rivera will lead a “rigorous review” of its athletics program, with an initial focus on three key areas: an audit of the current state of varsity athletics, particularly the men’s basketball program; identification of gaps and misalignments in existing structures; and the translation of findings into actionable reforms for the university’s sports system.
Fr. Rivera is currently an associate professor at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and program director at the Institute on Church and Social Issues.
He also previously served as president of Ateneo de Naga University from 2017 to 2024 and was founding president of St. John de Brito College in Timor-Leste from 2014 to 2016, bringing with him extensive experience in academic leadership and institutional development.
The university emphasized that the task force is part of a broader commitment to review policies and strengthen accountability mechanisms within its athletic programs.
(C) Pia Hontiveros
Meanwhile, Ateneo said it continues to provide support for members of the men’s basketball team as they recover from the incident, both emotionally and psychologically.
“As we continue to honor the memory of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, we remain committed to supporting the members of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team during this difficult time,” the university said in a statement.
It added that student-athletes, coaches, and staff have been participating in necessary proceedings while also beginning the process of recovery.
“To support this process, the team is taking time for rest, reflection, and healing,” the statement read.
Ateneo also confirmed that psychological support services remain in place through the Loyola Schools Office of Guidance and Counseling and the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services.
“We are grateful for the prayers, compassion, and solidarity of the Ateneo community,” the statement added.
“We ask that you continue to keep the team, our coaches and staff, and especially the families of Bobet and Divine in your prayers as we walk this path toward healing together.”
