Ateneo cager Rene Baterbonia's remains arrive in hometown Talacogon, Agusan del Sur

The remains of Ateneo Blue Eagles player Rene "Bobet" Baterbonia arrived in his hometown Talacogon, Agusan del Sur before dawn on Tuesday.

His townmates patiently awaited until the arrival of the funeral convoy before 2 a.m., according to a report on Unang Balita.

They lit candles and shouted "MVP" as the vehicle carrying his casket passed by, honoring the recognized sports hero of the Davao Region.

Some townmates shed tears as the casket was being brought inside the Municipal Evacuation and Gymnasium where the wake was to be held.

The public viewing will start at 1 p.m. Tuesday, the Talacogon local government unit said.

Prior to this, a wake was held for a few days at Ateneo de Davao, Baterbonia's alma mater.

Baterbonia and fellow Ateneo Blue Eagles player Divine Adili died when they drowned during a teambuilding activity in Aurora on June 8.

The cause of death of the two student-athletes was asphyxia by drowning based on a post-mortem examination certificate, according to the Aurora Provincial Police Office.

Investigations are ongoing regarding the incident. —KG, GMA News