'Parang hero si Rene,' says Baterbonia's HS coach as mourners flock Davao wake

Jess Evangelio, the high school coach of late basketball player Rene Baterbonia, said his former player was being honored like a hero as his remains arrived in Davao on Friday.

Crowds gathered at Ateneo de Davao University on the first day of Rene Baterbonia’s wake to pay their respects to the former student-athlete, who died during Ateneo de Manila University’s team-building activity last Monday.

“Sobrang nakakataba din sa puso kasi sobrang daming nagsu-support din eh. Sobrang daming nag-idol sa kanya. And ‘yun, parang sobrang influential niya na tao,” Evangelio said.

“Hindi lang naman kasi siya magaling sa basketball. Mabuting tao din siya.”

“Actually kanina nga parang nag-usap kami ng wife ko, sabi niya na parang hero talaga si Rene kasi from the airport may escort pa papunta dito.”

Baterbonia played for Ateneo de Davao during his high school years, leading the team to back-to-back Palarong Pambansa finals appearances. The Davao Eagles captured the title in 2025 before surrendering the crown in 2026.

Ateneo de Davao University will host Baterbonia’s wake for three days before his remains are brought to his hometown in Agusan del Sur.

—JKC, GMA News