Ateneo de Manila University President Rev. Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, delivers his statement during a Senate Committee on Basic Education public hearing on Thursday, July 9, 2026. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University President Roberto Yap turned emotional on Thursday as he faced a Senate inquiry into the fatal drowning of its two student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora province during a team-building activity on June 8.
Upon learning of the deaths of their students, Yap said they immediately informed their families and arranged for the transportation of the victims’ remains from Dipaculao to Manila.
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