Ateneo brings Baterbonia home to Agusan del Sur

MANILA, Philippines — The remains of student Clert Baterbonia have been brought home to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, where he will lie in state with his family and community until his burial on June 24, the Ateneo de Manila University said.

“Ateneo de Manila, working closely with Ateneo de Davao, coordinated the arrangements for Bobet’s return home and continues to accompany the Baterbonia family during this time,” the university said on Facebook.

Ateneo added that discussions are ongoing on the support that may be most helpful to the family, including educational assistance for Baterbonia’s six siblings, who are expected to relocate to Davao and enroll at Ateneo de Davao University under scholarship support.

“We continue to keep Bobet and his family in our prayers,” it added.

Adili’s repatriation

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the repatriation of Divine Adili’s remains to Nigeria, where he will be laid to rest in accordance with his family’s wishes.

Ateneo has committed to sending two representatives to accompany Adili on his final journey home once documentary and travel arrangements have been finalized in coordination with his family and relevant authorities.

“We ask the Ateneo community to continue keeping Divine and his family in your prayers,” Ateneo said.

As the university continues to assist the families of the two student-athletes, students, teachers and staff of Ateneo de Manila held a solidarity walkout on Friday to call for transparency, accountability and justice in their deaths.

Led by the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, the protesters urged the university to uphold its Ignatian values.

Baterbonia and Adili died after being swept away by strong currents during a team-building activity along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora earlier this month.