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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Torreon law firm clarifies legal aid to Baterbonia family

Torreon law firm clarifies legal aid to Baterbonia family

Published Jun 12, 2026 02:28 pm
TORREON (right) and partner lawyer Jimmy Bondoc. (FB)
TORREON (right) and partner lawyer Jimmy Bondoc. (FB)
DAVAO CITY – The Torreon and Partners law firm clarified on Friday, June 12, their legal assistance to the family of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles center-forward Rene Clert N. Baterbonia.
Israelito Torreon, in a statement posted on Facebook, welcomed the opportunity to clarify the circumstances surrounding their involvement in the case, stressing that no public official made any arrangements, retainments, or deployments.
Torreon said after news of Baterbonia's death reached them, relatives and close friends of the family approached them to seek legal assistance, which he immediately accepted.
He added that Agusan del Norte Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. did not hire or commission them, but merely conveyed to the Baterbonia family that legal counsel was available to assist them.
"What he did, and for which we are grateful, was to convey to the Baterbonia family that counsel was willing to assist them," the law firm said.
The law firm said any perception that the governor arranged legal representation was understandable but incorrect, calling it "an act of kindness" intended to inform the grieving family of available support.
It also said that the law firm felt compelled to issue a clarification due to public interest in the case, noting that legal representation arrangements are typically not disclosed publicly.
The firm said a team of lawyers has been working continuously for the family since the case came to their attention, with members providing both legal and personal support.
According to the statement, a lawyer visited Dipaculao town in Aurora province, where the incident occurred, met with staff and local authorities, and coordinated with police investigators, while other lawyers based in Davao City have been handling documentation and evidence review.
They added that two additional volunteer lawyers outside the firm have joined the legal team, including one with medical expertise relevant to the case. "The firm's involvement was driven by personal commitment rather than professional obligation alone," Torreon said.
The firm described Baterbonia, an Ateneo de Davao University student and Mindanaoan, as someone whose death carries personal significance for those handling the case.
"Kay kami, kabalo mi mudapig sa among parehong Bisaya (We know how to stand up for our fellow man)," the firm said, expressing a sense of regional and personal connection to the victim.
The firm also said it welcomes any additional assistance for the family, stressing that pursuing justice should not be competitive. "We all want the same thing – answers, accountability, and justice for Rene and even for Divine Adili," the law firm said.
The law firm said they remain committed to fully supporting the Baterbonia family as the case progresses.

Related Tags

Davao City Rene Baterbonia Israelito Torreon
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