Ateneo faculty urges compassionate response, clearer communication on Aurora tragedy

While acknowledging the university’s recent statement, the faculty said several issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding due process, risk management, and communication protocols during the off-campus activity where the incident occurred.

Among the concerns raised were whether proper safety measures were in place to prevent drowning risks, whether parents and guardians were informed about the nature of the activity, and why university officials did not directly address the community sooner.

(C) FIloil

The educators also sought clarification on the status of coaching staff and team officials, including whether the leaves of absence taken by head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo should be considered preventive measures aligned with standard procedures during ongoing investigations.

They further questioned the scope and independence of the investigation being conducted by the university, as well as the concrete accountability mechanisms being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Clarity around facts is critical in truth-seeking and sense-making,” the letter stated, adding that transparency is also a demand of the bereaved families.

The faculty also appealed for more personal and compassionate communication from university leaders and coaching staff, noting that official statements released through social media were seen as insufficient in conveying empathy and accountability.

“The nameless, faceless, and sterile official social media posts have downplayed the gravity of the situation.”

The university’s communications efforts are overseen by Matec Villanueva, director of marketing and communications at Ateneo,

As the investigation continues, the group emphasized that the lives of Baterbonia and Adili must not be reduced to statistics but instead serve as a call for institutional reform.

“The lives of Rene and Divine matter,” the letter stated.

“We may never fully recover from this tragedy, but we can make their deaths count by providing meaningful and tangible support to the families they left behind and by embracing the painful lessons of this tragedy with collective humility, resolve and compassion.”

The statement concluded their appeal by inviting fellow educators to express support and solidarity with the bereaved families through a collective statement of concern and accountability.

Ateneo faculty could sign here: bit.ly/ADMUEducatorsForReneAndDivine.