Gretchen Ho calls on Ateneo de Manila.
Former Ateneo student-athlete Gretchen Ho calls for truth and accountability for the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia.
Based on a previous article, Ateneo de Manila University confirmed the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia in a statement. The tragedy occurred during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of Ateneo men’s basketball team standouts Adili, 21, and Baterbonia, 19. Both were members of the Blue Eagles basketball program and were considered among the team’s promising young players.
According to the latest update, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Central Office has been directed to form a special task force to carry out a thorough, comprehensive, and impartial probe into the deaths of the Ateneo basketball players.
“As part of its investigation, the NBl will determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges before the DOJ. The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” the DOJ said.
Amid the buzz that the tragedy has created, former Ateneo student-athlete Gretchen Ho has spoken out, saying silence will only “allow speculation and false narratives to thrive.” In one of her most recent posts, she expressed that this tragedy hit close to home and was “deeply painful.”
Ho also expressed confidence in the multi-stakeholder panel formed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), saying it would eventually present the facts surrounding the incident to the public.
While recognizing the need for those affected to grieve and recover from the tragedy, she urged Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) to address the matter openly, warning that continued silence could fuel speculation and misinformation.
“There are legitimate questions about what happened, and I trust that the multi-stakeholder body formed by the PSC, together with representatives from the UAAP, SBP, CHED, and NYC, will establish the facts and present them to the public at the appropriate time,” she said.
Gretchen emphasized the importance of transparency in preventing the spread of misinformation, particularly amid the numerous rumors circulating on social media. She also expressed confidence that her alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University, would do the “right thing” in addressing the situation.
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