Ateneo to hold wake mass for Rene Baterbonia ahead of return to Agusan del Sur

Ateneo de Manila University will hold a wake mass for Rene Baterbonia before his remains are flown to Davao en route to his hometown in Agusan del Sur.

The university announced on Thursday that the wake mass will be held at 6 p.m., while Baterbonia’s remains will be brought home via Davao on Friday.

“Rene Clert Baterbonia carried with him the hopes of a family he loved deeply, the pride of Talacogon, and the dreams that brought him to Ateneo de Manila only days ago,” the university said.

“His passing has left deep sorrow among those who knew him as a son, a brother, a teammate, a friend, and a young man whose future was just unfolding. Today, we remember Rene with gratitude for his life and grieve with all who loved him.”

Baterbonia and foreign student-athlete Divine Adili died during a team-building activity in Aurora.

According to police, Baterbonia died of asphyxia by drowning.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Embassy in Manila said Adili’s family has requested an autopsy on the remains of the foreign student-athlete.

—JKC, GMA News