MANILA, Philippines — A party-list actively involved in the welfare of the athletes has joined calls from various sectors for a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of two Ateneo cagers who reportedly drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora town.
Represented by its top nominee and president in Kenneth Duremdes, MPBL Partylist is calling on various entities, led by the Philippine National Police, to conduct a probe to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
According to the party-list, ‘every detail – from the planning and conduct of the team-building activity, to the safety protocols observed or lacking, to the response time of rescue efforts – must be carefully examined.’ “As someone who has spent his life in basketball — as a player, a coach, and an advocate for Filipino athletes — this tragedy cuts deeply,” said Duremdes in a statement.
“These were two young men who dedicated themselves to the sport we all love. Their families sent them to Ateneo trusting that they would be safe, that they would be taken care of. We owe it to Divine, to Rene Clert, and to every Filipino family who entrusts their children to schools and athletic programs to find out exactly what happened and why,” added Duremdes.
The party-list stressed that the investigation must determine whether sufficient safety measures were in place during the activity like the deployment of trained lifeguards, prior assessment of water and briefing of participants on safety protocols.
“If negligence is found, those responsible must be held fully accountable,” the statement said.
The party-list is also calling on Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the NCAA and the UAAP for a review of existing guidelines governing team-building activities, training camps, and off-campus events involving student-athletes, in the light of the tragic incident.
“We urge Ateneo de Manila University and all concerned institutions to extend full and unconditional support — financial, emotional, and legal — to the families of Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia during this most difficult time,” the party-list said.
“The MPBL Partylist reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Filipino athletes at every level — from grassroots programs to collegiate and professional leagues,” it said. TMT
