Baterbonia’s mom reiterates call for justice on 40th day of his death

Rovelyn Baterbonia, mother of basketball stand out Rene Clert Baterbonia, sprinkles holy water to his tomb after the 40th day commemoration mass. CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur — With tears streaming down her face, the mother of basketball standout Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia called for prayers and justice as family, friends, and supporters gathered on the 40th day since the young athlete’s death in a drowning incident in Aurora province. During a memorial Mass held at the Labnig Municipal Cemetery, Rovelyn Baterbonia spoke of the pain left by the loss of her 18-year-old son, whose promising basketball career was abruptly cut short. She appealed for continued prayers as the family seeks truth and accountability over the tragedy. Article continues after this advertisement “If you can open our hearts, there is a big wound that can never be healed,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. As she expressed her grief, supporters responded with chants of “Hustisya!” calling for justice for the young athlete. Around 3,000 people from various parts of Mindanao attended the kwarenta dias memorial celebration, filling the cemetery to honor Baterbonia’s life and legacy. Baby Ruth Lozano, who attended the gathering with her batchmates from Cabadbaran Institute’s Class of 1979 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, said it was their first visit to Baterbonia’s resting place. She said they were surprised by the large crowd that came to pay tribute. “It was overwhelming to see how many people came here to remember him,” Lozano said. Article continues after this advertisement Hundreds of floral arrangements were offered in memory of Rene, including bougainvillea and bonsai plants brought by supporters from different parts of the country, including Bicol and Ilocos Norte, as well as from overseas, including Spain. Ready for massive turnout Talacogon Vice Mayor Elvin Maligsa said the local government prepared for three days to ensure the orderly conduct of the memorial gathering. Article continues after this advertisement He said supporters were advised to coordinate with the municipal government regarding planned activities to maintain peace and organization during the event. In his homily, Father Rances Oñes, chancellor of the Diocese of Butuan, described the 40th day memorial as a significant spiritual milestone, symbolizing preparation, transition, and hope. He cited biblical accounts associated with the number 40, including Jesus Christ’s 40 days of prayer before beginning his public ministry and his appearances after the Resurrection. “This is a loving send-off for Rene—not a day of losing him, but a reminder that he is moving toward a hope without end,” Oñes said. The priest also created an acronym from Rene’s name, describing him as R for resilience, E for empathy, N for natural or genuine, and E for exemplary—a person who served as a good example to others. A promising career remembered A native of Talacogon, Baterbonia was a former standout player of Ateneo de Davao University and had recently joined the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball program. He was among the members of the Ateneo team who died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. His teammate, Nigerian player Divine Adili, also died in the incident. Authorities later reported that both athletes died from asphyxia due to drowning based on post-mortem examinations. Investigations were launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including safety protocols and activities conducted during the team-building event. Baterbonia’s death deeply affected Agusan del Sur, where he was regarded as one of the province’s brightest basketball talents. He helped lead the Davao Region boys’ basketball team to the championship in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where he was named Most Valuable Player. For his family, however, the tragedy represents a dream left unfinished. Rene had only begun his journey with the Ateneo Blue Eagles when his life was suddenly cut short, leaving his loved ones searching for answers while holding on to memories of the young athlete who inspired many. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. The Baterbonia family continues to seek prayers as authorities proceed with the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two young athletes