Students at Ateneo de Manila University staged a community walkout on graduation day, calling for transparency and justice following the deaths of basketball recruits Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora on June 8.
The Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, the university's student council, organized the protest, which included a candlelighting ceremony. Many graduating students wore black armbands during the rites as a sign of solidarity with the grieving families and the school community.
"Bearing the heavy weight of sorrow as we grieve the loss of students Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, the university community will come together in solidarity and support," the Sanggunian said. "Rooted in love and care, we unite in calls for truth, justice, clarity, and accountability."
Protesters emphasized that their action was not meant to disrespect the university but arose from the values it instilled in them. "Ang pagmamahal sa pamantasan ay hindi ang bulag na pagsunod, ang tunay na pagmamahal ay paniningil… ang tunay na pagmamahal ay ang pagsasabing ang tahanang ito, ang pamantasang ito ay kailangang magbago dahil hindi pa sapat," said graduating member Vinzen Borja. (Love for one's university is not blind obedience. It is demanding accountability... It is declaring that this home, this university, needs to change because what it has done is not yet enough.)
Borja added that students do not have to choose between grief and celebration; they can graduate with both gratitude and a conviction for justice. "Kapag hinawakan namin ang diploma, hawak din namin ang paninindigan at huwag kalimutan ang laban para sa katarungan," he said. (When we hold our diplomas, we also hold onto our conviction to never forget the fight for justice.)
Students pointed out that the families and the public need Ateneo's actual presence, not just its press releases, and that those responsible must issue a genuine apology.
University President Acknowledges 'Missteps'
During the baccalaureate mass hours before the walkout, Ateneo President Fr. Roberto Yap acknowledged "missteps" in handling the case. "I acknowledge that there have been missteps in handling this painful situation," Yap said in a video clip uploaded by student publication Matanglawin Ateneo. He expressed remorse for the "anger, confusion, deep hurt, criticisms, condemnations, and insults" his actions have caused. "But let me say that I am deeply sorry for the pain we have caused you. Our intentions were for good but they are inadequate. We are learning the hard way, and we are committed to make things right."
Remembering Divine Adili
School of Humanities representative Lorelie Potencio remembered Adili as more than a classmate—he was a "kuya figure" to many. "Whenever we needed something from him, he will be able to give it to us. When he sees that we did good at something he provides us small compliments through texts or just a hand shake," she shared. Adili was a dedicated student-athlete who consistently gave his best effort to his studies before stepping onto the court. "Though he is gone, he will never be forgotten because he touched our hearts in a unique way and left behind a legacy of positive energy," Potencio added.
Students also expressed deep loss over Baterbonia's death, noting the painful realization that they would no longer cross paths with him in the hallways of Ateneo.