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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Mother of Ateneo team-building drowning victim demands answers, justice

Mother of Ateneo team-building drowning victim demands answers, justice

Published Jun 9, 2026 02:59 pm
Rovelyn Baterbonia, right, wants some answers following the death of her son, Rene Clert.
Rovelyn Baterbonia, right, wants some answers following the death of her son, Rene Clert.

No words can truly capture the pain of a mother grieving the loss of her son.

Yet amid unimaginable heartbreak, Rovelyn Baterbonia has found the strength to seek answers and pursue justice following the tragic death of her son, Rene Clert Baterbonia, who drowned during a team-building activity involving the Ateneo men’s basketball team in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Still struggling to come to terms with the loss, Rovelyn arrived in Manila with the assistance of Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago “Santi” Barriga Cane Jr. with hopes of finding answers on what happened on that day.

Rene Clert, 19, as well as Divine Adili, 21, were reportedly swept away by the strong currents according to the police report.

“Iyon po ang malaking tanong ko. Bakit napunta doon sa dagat kasi basketball naman yung anak ko hindi naman swimming,” said the grieving Rovelyn.

“Masakit. Sobrang support ko mula bata ahanggang ngayon tapos ginanun nila. Kung alam ko lang na may training sila na ganyan kahit mahirap kami di ko ipapahamak ang nak ko kaya ngayon gusto ko ng justice talaga kung anong nangyari sa anak ko,” she added.

What makes the tragedy even more painful, according to Rovelyn, is the lack of information she has received about her son's fate.

She revealed that she has yet to see a photo or video of Rene's body, leaving her grappling with questions no mother should ever have to ask.

“Hindi ko pa nakita ang katawan ng anak ko. Hanggang ngayon wala pang picture o video na binigay sa akin. Totoo na ba talaga na wala na ang anak ko? Wala rin naman akong authorization na mag-post kayo,” Rovelyn posted on social media as soon as news broke.

“[Pinag-fiestahan] na ang anak ko. Wala kayong respeto sa aming pamilya na hanggang ngayon wala pa talagang binigay na balita sa totoong nangyari at kong nasaan na ang anak kong si  Rene Clert Baterbonia at bakit na umabot sa ganon,” she added.

Related Tags

Rene Clert Baterbonia Divine Adili Ateneo Blue Eagles Aurora Drowning UAAP
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