MANILA — Members of the Ateneo de Manila University community held a walkout Saturday, demanding transparency, accountability, and justice following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Led by student representatives from the Loyola schools council, the protest brought together students, faculty, and staff who urged the university to live out its Ignatian values in addressing the tragedy.
In a collective statement, the Ateneo community called for stronger protections for student-athletes, clearer institutional procedures, and active participation of stakeholders in shaping reforms.
The group emphasized the need for honesty and accountability from university leadership, as well as a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
They also raised concerns about inconsistencies in approval processes for student activities, noting that some routine requirements involve formal parental consent while certain team-related activities reportedly lacked clear authorization from the athletics office.
Ateneo has since established a Response and Reform Committee to review policies and recommend institutional changes. According to university president Fr. Roberto Yap, the committee—composed of faculty and administrators—will submit findings to the Board Crisis Oversight Committee by July 19.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators have observed inconsistencies in the statements of players and coaches from the Ateneo Blue Eagles regarding the drowning incident.
Former head coach Tab Baldwin and members of his coaching staff attended questioning at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group but did not release any statements. Baldwin also submitted drone footage taken shortly after the incident.
Authorities said it is still too early to determine any lapses, as the investigation remains ongoing.
ia/xf
