FACING criticism over its handling of the June 8 drowning deaths of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, Ateneo, through president Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ on Monday explained why it largely stayed silent while the public searched for answers.
Apart from statements of sympathy and brief updates, the university clammed up as investigations unfolded in the days that followed the tragedy in Dipucalao, Aurora.
Acknowledging the negative optics, Yap admitted the university's approach may have created the impression that Ateneo was doing little. But the university president dismissed the notion that they were doing nothing or, worse, were covering things up.
“The few public updates were not because we did not care for the bereaved families. We believed, and continue to believe, that public relations and institutional noise should not intrude upon the families' grief,” Yap said.
“We are truly sorry for not being quicker in informing the public of developments, which has led to perceptions of inaction. Our focus was on being present for the grieving families during their darkest hour.”
Treading with caution
Yap explained that much of the university's restraint stemmed from the legal realities of the ongoing investigations.
“We ask for your understanding that while we want the truth to come out, the individuals who can shed light on the events of June 8 are also subjects of ongoing investigations by the authorities," he said.
"We recognize that they have constitutional rights, and we intend to respect those rights. Therefore, we cannot speak on their behalf or compel them to speak at this time," Yap said.
The university president maintained that exercising legal rights should not be mistaken for an attempt to avoid scrutiny or accountability.
“Likewise, like everyone else, Ateneo is afforded certain rights under the law. If the university exercises those rights, it is not to delay or mislead, but simply because that is how our legal system works. If it's eventually found that the university had shortcomings, please be assured that we will address them and make them right," he added.
The explanation offers insight into Ateneo's thinking and handling of things, but it also underscored the disconnect between the university and the public over the past few days.
That disconnect became more pronounced as family members and close friends publicly voiced concerns over communication or the lack of it, while calls intensified for greater transparency on what exactly transpired during the Aurora camp.
Statements from Baterbonia's mom, Rovelyn and close friends like Rene's high school coach Jess Evangelio questioning Ateneo's silence days after the tragedy futher highlighted that communication gap.
In the absence of detailed updates, the narrative surrounding the tragedy increasingly became shaped by others rather than by the university itself.
The concerns only intensified as Ateneo repeatedly deferred key questions about accountability, oversight and decision-making to ongoing investigations.
Yap, however, insisted Ateneo had been actively supporting both families throughout the ordeal through what he described as moral and material assistance, including funeral, travel, accommodation and other related expenses.
“While we chose not to immediately publicize our actions, our commitment on the ground was immediate and unwavering,” Yap said.
“So far, all available information and accounts regarding what happened on June 8 show that it was a tragic accident. However, we completely understand that for loved ones, the word ‘accident’ is never easy to accept.
“The Ateneo de Manila is not evading accountability," he said.
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