DAVAO CITY – Lawyer Israelito Torreon confirmed he and several companions were denied entry to the final night of the wake for Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagle Rene Clert N. Baterbonia at Ateneo de Davao University on Sunday, June 14, despite many mourners being allowed into the venue.

In a statement posted to his official Facebook page, Torreon, of the Torreon and Partners Law Firm and legal counsel for Baterbonia family, said he intended to attend the wake and personally verify reports that Baterbonia’s body was already showing early signs of putrefaction.

“I wanted to verify reports that there were early signs of putrefaction in Rene’s body and that there were indications of an unpleasant odor,” Torreon said. “I do not understand why his body would be in that condition so soon.”

According to Torreon, large numbers of mourners lined up from the vicinity of Flores Village in Bangkal to the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School campus and were eventually allowed entry.

However, he said he and his group were prevented from entering by a security guard following the instruction from the university’s vice president.

Torreon said he was accompanied by fellow lawyer Regal Oliva, his friend Doods, his wife, and his children, including Karlo Torreon, a former president of the Ateneo de Davao Law Student Council, as well as other Atenean friends.

“We waited there for almost an hour and were simply made to stand and wait. It was embarrassing, so we eventually decided to leave,” Torreon said.

Ateneo de Davao University has not issued a response to Torreon’s claims as of posting time.

Meanwhile, the funeral convoy carrying Baterbonia’s remains departed from Ateneo de Davao on Monday morning, June 15, for his hometown in Agusan del Sur.

An advisory released by organizers said Baterbonia’s remains are scheduled to proceed to Saint Peter’s Chapel in Panabo City for final preparations before continuing the journey to Talacogon town in Agusan del Sur.

The convoy was expected to depart from Panabo City at around 1 p.m. enroute to Barangay San Agustin, Talacogon, where Baterbonia’s remains will lie at the Municipal Evacuation Center and Gymnasium.

According to Ateneo de Davao, updates on the convoy’s progress would be provided to local government units, organizations, and communities planning to pay their respects along the route.

Baterbonia’s family and loved ones' continue to receive messages of condolence, prayers, and support as preparations for his final burial rites proceed.