Photo by Adrianne Coloma

by Alexia Bangayan

On Friday, June 19, the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) community, led by the Student Body, organized a walkout calling for accountability and justice following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

The walkout started at 1:00 p.m. at the Zen Garden with students holding their protest banners, followed by a mass program.

The community raised its call for the creation of policies for athlete safety and welfare within the university.

A Call for Justice

Dr. Ron Cruz from the Biology Department expressed his dismay, saying that he no longer sees Ateneo as the same institution he had come to know over the years.

“I found myself thinking more and more, Ateneo, why is life so hard? This is no longer the Ateneo that I learned to love,” he said.

Cruz questioned the university leadership’s response to repeated calls for transparency, presence, and support.

“There must be a change in the leadership that has created this environment of distrust and grievance,” he added.

Cruz assured the community that the faculty fully understands the concerns being raised and supports the community’s right to express them.

A Call for Renewal

Ex-Ateneo Sanggunian president Annika Torres stressed that accountability should extend beyond public statements and apologies.

”Hindi po natatapos sa isang paumanhin, sa isang pahayag, ang pananagutan.” 

Torres also stated that the community’s call for justice is accompanied by a call for institutional renewal.

”In recognition that a stakeholder neglect and silence have filled Rene and Divine’s families, teammates, and likewise subjected our community to the…public vying for answers,” she added.

A Call for Reflection

Meanwhile, Zen Borja of the Ateneo Seniors Alliance said the gathering was intended to encourage unity and reflection within the community.

We are here to be united, not only for the end, but for the beginning,” he announced.

Borja added that they initiated this move because they are motivated by their commitment to the university and their belief in the importance of raising questions when answers are needed.

”We are here because we love Ateneo…we will not let it be silent if there is a need to answer, because true love is to ask,” he emphasized.

The program concluded with the singing of the school hymn, ”A Song for Mary,” followed by a candlelight offering for the victims.