Ateneo de Manila University has officially withdrawn from the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup as the school continues to grieve the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Tournament organizers announced on Sunday that the preseason league’s executive committee had granted the Blue Eagles’ request to leave the competition, citing compassion and respect for the university community as it copes with the tragedy.
“The Executive Committee of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup has been informed of Ateneo de Manila University’s decision to withdraw from competing for the remainder of the tournament,” the league said in a statement.
“Upon continuous discussions, it was deemed appropriate to grant their request out of compassion following the tragic incident.”
Baterbonia and Adili lost their lives in a drowning incident on June 8 during Ateneo’s team-building and training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Prior to the tragedy, the Blue Eagles had opened their Filoil campaign with a convincing 72-52 victory over Adamson University on June 6.
Baterbonia was present during the game but did not see action, having only recently arrived from Davao City days before the team departed for Aurora.
The withdrawal marks only the third time Ateneo has pulled out of the Filoil tournament.
The Blue Eagles previously skipped the competition in 2013 and again in 2022, although both decisions were made under circumstances unrelated to the current tragedy.
The Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup also extended its condolences to those affected by the incident.
“The league continues to extend its heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and to the community as we navigate these tough times,” the statement added.
Ateneo’s withdrawal comes as investigations into the incident continue. The university has not yet deliberated whether it will voluntarily withdraw from the upcoming UAAP Season 89.
