Ateneo players Kieffer Alas, Sam Reyes recount Aurora tragedy

Ateneo guard Kieffer Alas takes a shot during a game against Adamson in the Filoil Preseason Cup on June 6.–Photo from Filoil

MANILA, Philippines–Kieffer Alas and Sam Reyes, members of Ateneo’s men’s basketball program, recounted the June 8 tragedy that claimed the lives of their teammates Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.

In an episode of Let’s Talk with Pia Hontiveros podcast on Tuesday afternoon, Alas and Reyes were the first current Blue Eagles to speak up and shed light on the incident that has sparked public outcry.

Investigations by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are also ongoing. The UAAP and Ateneo de Manila University have also launched their own probes.

At a press conference on Monday, Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, apologized to the bereaved families and the Ateneo community, and announced the resignations of coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo.

Ateneo also pulled out of the Filoil preseason tournament on Sunday, but has no decision yet on a possible withdrawal in the upcoming UAAP Season 89 slated this September.

Alas, considered the top high school prospect, officially joined Ateneo on March 3 following stints at Layton Christian Academy and Utah Prep in the United States. He was also a UAAP juniors MVP with De La Salle-Zobel.

Reyes, meanwhile, is in his second year with the team after transferring from University of Santo Tomas.