Ateneo withdraws from Filoil following Baterbonia, Adili tragedy

The Ateneo de Manila University has formally pulled out of contention from the ongoing 19th Filoil EcoOil Pre-Season Cup amid the tragic incident that took two of Katipunan’s most promising student-athletes.

In a statement posted on the Filoil EcoOil Sports Facebook page, the league viewed Ateneo’s decision as a necessary move in the wake of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili’s drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.

“Upon continuous discussions and as confirmed with the University’s athletic director Mr. Emmanuel Fernandez, it was deemed appropriate to grant their request out of compassion following the tragic incident,” said Filoil.

“The league continues to extend its heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and to the community as we navigate these tough times,”  the league added.

The Blue Eagles played its lone match of the tournament against Adamson University on June 6, emerging victorious via a 72–52 rout.

Ateneo was set to play two consecutive matches in the week against the University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University Tamaraws on June 16 and 17, respectively, but both scheduled matches will no longer proceed following the team’s withdrawal from the tilt.