Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, two promising young athletes, tragically lost their lives in what was described as a "training" exercise held in treacherous open waters. They were warned that it was unsafe to swim, yet the training proceeded, leading to their untimely deaths. This heartbreak was followed by silence from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), their teammates, and coaching staff, as if the lives of these young men meant little. This cannot stand. We demand justice for Rene and Divine.

The university's lack of response and acknowledgment of this incident is unacceptable and disrespectful, not just to the families of the deceased but to the entire athletic community. Institutions must be held accountable for the safety and well-being of their students. When an episode like this occurs, it is critical that immediate action is taken to investigate and ensure that similar tragedies do not repeat.

This petition calls on the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) to take decisive action by banning the Ateneo de Manila men’s basketball team from participating in league activities until there is a transparent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Such a decision would send a powerful message that negligence and indifference to athletes' safety have serious consequences.

Concrete and actionable solutions must be put in place, including creating comprehensive safety protocols for athletic training by independent safety experts, instituting mandatory training for coaching staff on risk assessment, and establishing a transparent communication channel between athletes and school administration regarding safety concerns.

We urge those in positions of power within the UAAP and ADMU to prioritize justice, transparency, and the safety of all athletes. The pain and loss felt due to the deaths of Rene and Divine must be honored by ensuring that no other student endures a similar fate. This is a call to action for athletes, families, and supporters who believe in justice to stand together and be heard.

Please sign this petition to support the demand for accountability and to ensure that Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili receive the justice they deserve.