Rene Baterbonia laid to rest in hometown Talacogon, Agusan del Sur

Ateneo de Manila University student-athlete and Agusan del Sur pride Rene Baterbonia was laid to rest on Wednesday in his hometown of Talacogon.

A funeral convoy attended by his family, friends, teammates, and members of the community was held before Baterbonia, 18, was buried at the Talacogon Municipal Memorial Park, where he became the first person to be laid to rest.

More than two weeks have passed since Baterbonia died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. The tragedy also claimed the life of his teammate, Nigerian big man Divine Adili.

Prior to his burial, public wakes were held in Quezon City, Davao, and Agusan del Sur to honor Baterbonia's life and legacy.

Baterbonia was born and raised in Talacogon before pursuing his basketball career at Ateneo de Davao University. He helped the school capture the 2025 Palarong Pambansa boys' basketball title in Ilocos Sur.

In the same tournament, Baterbonia was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) as the Davao Region secured its first-ever Palarong Pambansa basketball championship.

Investigations into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili are ongoing and are being conducted by government agencies and Ateneo.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA News