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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider 'Paalam, Bobet': Rene Baterbonia, a loving son and a promising basketball star, laid to rest in Talacogon

'Paalam, Bobet': Rene Baterbonia, a loving son and a promising basketball star, laid to rest in Talacogon

Published Jun 24, 2026 01:28 pm

At A Glance

  • A person of remarkable character and intentions, someone who only dreamed of giving his family a better life, was accorded with a funeral ceremony befitting a war hero.
(Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur)
(Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur)
A person of remarkable character and intentions, someone who only dreamed of giving his family a better life, was accorded with a funeral ceremony befitting a war hero.
More than two weeks after his tragic death, Rene Baterbonia, a loving son and a promising basketball star, was finally laid to rest on Wednesday, June 24, in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Locals gathered around during the emotional funeral ceremony with high government officials and Baterbonia’s loved ones as they pay their final respects to the 18-year-old cager, who tragically died in a drowning incident during Ateneo’s team-building exercise in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.
The burial was filled with outpouring of love as teammates, supporters, coaches, and loved ones were united in sorrow to the loss of 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP who made headlines in the past weeks.
Some of the attendees shouted “Hustisya” with the investigations still ongoing and being analyzed by the country’s law agencies. A song – also calling for justice – was dedicated to Rene during his burial.
His former and now resigned Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin, along with his lawyers, recently gave his side before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last Tuesday, June 23.
Baldwin still gave no comments despite being repeatedly asked by the reporters.
Before being buried in his native soil, Baterbonia’s wake initially took place in Quezon City then moved to his former school Ateneo De Davao University in Davao City and in Talacogon on June 16.
According to their autopsy reports, Baterbonia and his teammate Divine Adili, 21, passed away due to asphyxia by drowning.
Adili, on the other hand, was already repatriated back to his family in Nigeria.

Related Tags

Rene Baterbonia Talacogon Rovelyn Baterbonia Ateneo Blue Eagles Tab Baldwin DIVINE ADILI
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