MANILA, Philippines — While the Ateneo men's basketball team has faced criticism and accusations online following the deaths of its players Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, Adili's father Elias wishes the Blue Eagles well, urging them to keep going and pursue their goals.
Divine, alongside teammate Rene Baterbonia, drowned in the Blue Eagles' team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
The remains of the 21-year-old Divine is now being flown to Nigeria, while the 18-year-old Baterbonia was laid to rest in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Wednesday.
"My message to Ateneo, they should not relent in what they intend to do. And to the teammates, they should continue to play. I am a fan of Ateneo Blue Eagles. I am a fan because of Divine," said Elias in an interview with Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho.
"I have the opportunity of seeing their members, their team. They play with one spirit. So I am encouraging the teammates not to relent in their struggle. And I will be happy if they do."
Divine played as Ateneo's foreign student-athlete in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball last year, with the 6-foot-10 center manning the paint for the Blue Eagles in his rookie season.
Despite a nagging back injury, the former New Era University standout registered 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Elias' wish for Ateneo to keep competing remains uncertain, as the Blue Eagles await the UAAP's decision on whether they will be suspended for Season 89 following their tragic Aurora team-building activity.
Ateneo de Manila itself may withdraw from participating in the upcoming season.
If Blue Eagles get to play, it will be like a rebuilding mode after the coaching staff led by Tab Baldwin present in the said Aurora activity were banned by the UAAP from all league-related activities as investigations on the case is being held.
In the meantime, Elias said that the Adili family is mourning Divine and trying to process his early demise.
"I wasn't myself. My wife and I were crying all day. None of the family members (were their usual selves)," said Elias.
"We don't have anybody with us so we're in a very bad situation. By Wednesday, he will be home," said Elias.
"My concern is that Divine is a very promising child. He has expressed for us the courage to go through difficult things in our lives. And (he's) really brave. Because of that we are left helpless. As of now, we're helpless."
