Both the collegiate men’s and women’s basketball teams of Ateneo de Manila University will honor the late Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in their UAAP Season 89 campaigns.
The Blue Eagles will wear “DA | RB” on the right sleeve of their Jordan Brand jerseys.
Last June 8, the Blue Eagles took part in a “team-building” activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, which claimed the lives of incoming freshman Baterbonia and sophomore Adili.
Since then, head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo have resigned.
The UAAP permanently banned Baldwin without the possibility of an appeal, handing him the gravest sanction the league can impose.
Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Jon Jacinto, and Buboy Domingo; strength and conditioning coaches CJ Elumba and Grant Dearns; and physical therapist Jerick Rueca were suspended from participation in all UAAP competitions and related activities.
The DOJ has started its preliminary investigation into the reckless imprudence resulting in homicide complaints filed over the drowning deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
Baldwin and eight other respondents named in the criminal complaints, based on recommendations from the NBI and the PNP-CIDG, are expected to file their counter-affidavits by September 15.
The Blue Eagles, on the other hand, were cleared to compete after it was determined that they were also victims of the tragedy.
Coincidentally, Ateneo will make its season debut on September 16, which marks the 100th day since the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
The Blue Eagles will face the University of the East at 3 p.m. that day at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, Rene’s mother, Rovelyn, urged the public not to hold any celebration at her son’s grave for his 90th or 100th day, asking instead for prayers and simple gestures of remembrance.
“Gusto ko pong walang mangyaring celebration sa puntod ng anak kong si Rene Clert Baterbonia para sa 90th or 100th day. Gusto ko lang po ng simpleng pagdarasal. Ayaw ko pong may makarating na litson, pizza, balloons, o kung ano-ano pa man, kasi hindi ko pa po kayang tanggapin ang mga ganoong bagay ngayon.
Sa ngayon, uunahin ko muna ang kaso ng anak ko. Sana maintindihan ninyo ako. Hindi ko po kailangan ng mga materyal na bagay. Ang gusto ko lang po ay dasal.
Kung may mga kaunting tulong po kayong gustong ipaabot, kung maaari, direkta na lang po sa akin.
GCash: 09207374375
GoTyme: 019625179680
GCash account name: Rovelyn Baterbonia
Pa-screenshot na lang po para ma-check ko. Maraming-maraming salamat po,” read her post.
