MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo on Tuesday, June 9, said it has coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group as the parents of deceased basketball player Rene Baterbonia requested for his remains to be autopsied.

Baterbonia, 19, and Nigerian teammate Divine Adili, 21, died from drowning during the Blue Eagles’ team building at a private resort in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday, June 8.

Their remains were transferred Tuesday morning from the Aurora Memorial Hospital to Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City, where Baterbonia’s parents and brother — who flew from Davao City — were met and consoled by Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap. 

“At the request of Rene’s parents, an autopsy will be conducted. The University, through Arlington, has coordinated with the appropriate authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, to facilitate this process,” Ateneo said in a statement. 

“Fr. Bobby spent time with the family, joined them in prayer, and blessed Rene’s remains as the University continued to accompany them in their grief.” 

Meanwhile, Adili’s family asked Ateneo for his remains to be returned to Nigeria to keep with “family and cultural practices that are important to them.” 

“The University is assisting the family in the necessary arrangements and is awaiting the written authorization required to begin processing the relevant documentation,” Ateneo said. 

“At this time, no final arrangements for the wakes of either Rene or Divine have been confirmed. The University will continue to coordinate closely with both families and will provide appropriate information once plans have been finalized.” 

The rest of the Blue Eagles, players and coaches, returned from Aurora on Tuesday and they took part in psychological processing and counseling facilitated by the school.

As the public and the deceased players’ families and friends demand for answers, with Baterbonia’s mother Rovelyn questioning the need for training in the sea, Ateneo hoped for understanding.

“We understand the grief, pain, and many questions and concerns that members of our community may be experiencing. As we continue to accompany the families, the team, and all those affected, we ask for patience, compassion, and prayers for everyone who is carrying the burden of this loss,” said Ateneo. 

“The University remains committed to caring for the Baterbonia and Adili families, supporting the team and coaching staff, and pursuing a careful and thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”

“Further updates regarding the University’s ongoing response, including measures being undertaken to review the circumstances of the incident, will be shared with the community as they become available.” – Rappler.com