Summary
Highlights
Sam Reyes and Keiefer Alas, members of the Ateneo Men's basketball team, shared the traumatic details of their team-building incident in Dipaculao, Aurora. The event resulted in the drowning of their teammates, Rene Batermonia and Divine Adili, and nearly claimed their own lives. Despite surviving, both players are deeply emotional due to the intense public criticism they are now facing.
According to Reyes and Alas, the team was initially in a shallow part of the sea, following their coach's movements. Within a minute, large waves, taller than them, struck. Reyes described how they were riding the first wave without realizing they were being pulled out. By the third wave, everyone was screaming, unable to touch the ground. Alas recounted feeling exhausted and considering giving up, believing he wouldn't make it out alive.
Alas mentioned that EJ Kapha was seen rescuing people. Rene Batermonia was found first, followed by Divine Adili. When Reyes saw them, he ran to the water, with Jared being the first to help carry Rene. Alas confirmed reports that responders had to stop CPR efforts on both Rene and Divine for transfer to an ambulance, as Rene had no pulse. Adili reportedly still had a pulse when found but was transported in a police vehicle instead of an ambulance.
Both Sam and Keiefer expressed their deep emotional pain. They feel guilt, particularly Reyes, who wished he could have done more to save his teammate. They struggle with the public's perception, feeling they are being 'killed' by criticism despite surviving the tragedy. They also debunked false information, clarifying that no alcohol was involved and it was not an initiation rite.
Despite the tragic outcome, the players believe there were shortcomings in ensuring their safety. Reyes, recounting his near-drowning experience alone, felt there wasn't enough safety support during the team-building event. This sentiment highlights their shared belief that safety measures were inadequate.