Regine Velasquez sympathizes with Ateneo athletes’ parents after drowning incident

Regine Velasquez lamented the pain suffered by the families, especially the parents, of Ateneo basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili who drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora.

The veteran singer-actress shared her thoughts on the matter and raised questions about who should be held accountable for the incident, through her X page on Wednesday, June 10.

“Who is liable? As parents we always want the best for our children. We want them to experience and enjoy what life has to offer,” she said.

“School is like their second home and we put our trust in the institution not only to teach them how to be productive and hopefully be successful but more importantly to teach them how to be Godly,” she continued.

Velasquez then pointed out the school-organized field trips, saying she personally finds it uncomfortable when educational institutions ask parents to “sign a waiver” for such activities.

“We don’t normally mind the field trips because we know our kids will love them as they will have new experiences. The thing that I’m not so comfortable with is signing a ‘waiver,'” she stated. “Why? The school is responsible for educating our kids but is not responsible for their safety? I don’t understand!”

Speaking about the drowning incident, she continued, “I’m externally emotional about this because I am a mother and I am sure all mothers would agree that even if we sue those that are responsible for any tragedy—a loved one’s life has been lost and will never be returned.”

Velasquez extended comfort to Baterbonia and Adili’s parents. “We empathize with the parents of those who lost their beloved sons in the recent tragedy and our hearts and prayers go out to them.”

Who si liable? As parents we always want the best for our children. We want them to experience and enjoy what life has to offer. School is like their second home and we put our trust in the institution not only to teach them how to be productive and hopefully be successful but…

— regine alcasid (@reginevalcasid) June 10, 2026

The coaches and players of the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team who were with Baterbonia and Adili during the training activity have been subpoenaed, as the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group began its probe into the incident. /ra