MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila University Office of College Athletics (OCA) said in the university town hall Tuesday that it wasn't informed about the men's basketball team's team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last week.
The said activity ultimately led to the death of players Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21.
“What was the role of the university athletics in approving the team-building? The answer is none. The University Athletics had no hand in approving the team-building activity," said OCA coordinator and representative Benjo Afuang.
"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's OCA is separate from Ateneo's University Athletics Office.
In Ateneo de Mania's website, OCA described its function as the office that supports the student-athletes and coaching staff of varsity teams in 20 sports, adding that it assists the student-athletes through a wide range of services including issuance of certificates of competition participation, accident insurance, PE exemptions for freshmen and sophomores, and academic monitoring through the Athletes Study Hall.
On the other hand, the University Athletics Office handles external aspects of Ateneo varsity programs, such as sponsorships and tournament representation.
