SENATOR Pia Cayetano has expressed grief over the deaths of two student-athletes and called for justice and transparency as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

In a statement posted on social media, Cayetano, herself a parent of student-athletes, described the deaths as heartbreaking and said they reflect the fears parents face whenever their children participate in sports.

“As parents of student-athletes, we hold our breath through every game and every training session. We fear injuries. We fear accidents. But no parent is ever prepared for the call that their child has died,” she said.

The senator extended her condolences to the families of the two athletes, stressing that no words could ease the pain of losing a child.

“We grieve with their families. Nothing can bring them back,” Cayetano said.

She emphasized, however, that the victims deserve justice and that their loved ones have the right to know what truly happened.

“But they deserve justice. And their families deserve the truth,” she added.

Cayetano’s statement comes amid growing calls for a thorough investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University.

Lawmakers and education officials have urged authorities to determine whether safety protocols were properly observed and whether accountability measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The senator did not elaborate on specific actions she intends to pursue but underscored the importance of uncovering the facts surrounding the case and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable if negligence is found.

The deaths have sparked widespread concern among parents, students, educators, and the broader sports community, with many calling for stronger safeguards to protect student-athletes during training and competition.