Rene Baterbonia's high school coach says wake to be held at Ateneo de Davao

Rene Baterbonia’s high school coach, Jess Evangelio, said a wake will be held at Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School for those who wish to pay their respects to the late basketball player.

“For those who would like to pay their respects and offer prayers for Rene, he will be brought to Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School for a day during his wake. This will give his friends, classmates, teachers, teammates, and supporters an opportunity to visit, pray, and honor his memory,” Evangelio said in a Facebook post.

Baterbonia played for Ateneo de Davao University and helped lead the school to the Palarong Pambansa basketball title in 2025. The team also reached the finals in 2026 before falling to Region IV-A CALABARZON.

Evangelio also reflected on Baterbonia’s impact on and off the court.

“Rene touched so many lives through his kindness, hard work, and love for the game. We know that many people in the Ateneo community would like the chance to say their final goodbye,” he added.

According to Evangelio, details regarding the wake will be announced soon.

Baterbonia's remains currently lie in a memorial chapel in Quezon City.

Baterbonia, along with foreign student-athlete Divine Adili, died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Aurora, according to Ateneo de Manila University on Monday.

The Aurora Provincial Police said there was no foul play involved at the time and found no evidence that weights had been attached to the victims’ legs, contrary to claims that circulated on social media.

Adili’s body, meanwhile, will be brought back to Nigeria.

—JMB, GMA News