Rene Baterbonia's mother grateful for support as son's remains arrive in Agusan del Sur

The remains of Ateneo de Davao student-athlete Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia arrived in his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on early Tuesday morning.

Baterbonia’s mother, Rovelyn, expressed her gratitude for all the support she and her family received following the fatal drowning incident of her 18-year-old son while training with the Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball team in Aurora on June 8.

“Hindi ko ma-explain, kung ilang pasalamat ba ang ibibigay ko sa inyo kung hanggang kailan ako magpapasalamat, para talagang walang katapusan,” Rovelyn Baterbonia said in a report by JP Soriano on “24 Oras.”

“Hindi mababayaran ng kahit na anong pasasalamat, ulit-ulitin man, o ng walang hanggang pasasalamat,” she added.

(I can’t explain how much gratitude I should give you or how long I will keep thanking you—it truly feels endless. It cannot be paid by any amount of gratitude.)

Baternonia’s funeral convoy departed from Davao del Norte on Monday, after the public viewing of his remains in his alma mater at Ateneo de Davao.

The anticipated four-hour trip from Panabo, Davao del Norte stretched to 10 hours.

The convoy was met by crowds of people who lined the roads of every town it passed through.

The homecoming will never be personally witnessed by the late teenager who is considered a sports hero of the Davao Region and CARAGA.

In remembrance of Rovelyn’s final hug with her son, a digital painting capturing the moment was presented to her.

“‘Yan na yung huling hug ng anak ko, ‘yan na ang huling hug. Hindi ko na ‘yan maalis at least sa huling sandali niyakap niya ako inahon niya ako. [Ang] sakit,” Rovelyn said.

(This was my son’s last hug... that was the final hug. I will never forget that—at least in his final moments, he embraced me, he lifted me up. It hurts so much.)

In that moment before he left for Manila, Rovelyn shared how Rene promised to help with their family's financial needs.

“Pinag-usapan kasi namin niyan is pagdating daw ng June hindi na ako ma momroblema kasi lahat daw provided na kaya nga nung nag-open kami ng ATM,” Rovelyn said.

(We talked about it, and he told me that by June, I wouldn't have to worry about anything anymore because he would provide for everything. That was why we even opened a bank account.)

“Sabi niya, ‘Sige lang, Ma, kunin mo ‘yan kasi magpipirma ako doon magpunta yung 70% sa’yo 30% percent sa akin. Hindi ko gagalawin ‘yung sa iyo, ikaw na bahala kung ano gawin mo,” she added.

(He told me, ‘Go ahead, mama, get that ATM card because once I sign the contract, 70% will go to you and 30% will stay with me. I won't touch your share—it’s up to you what you want to do with it.)

Rovelyn declined to comment on statements from the Ateneo de Manila University administration or the ongoing investigation by authorities.

She said that she is still waiting for something, adding her late son would never have wanted to be at the center of a dispute.

In the meantime, Rovelyn said she would prefer to remember the memories of her son who grew up in their small village of San Nicholas.

Among the memories she recalled were the sight of her son learning basketball on a court made of wooden posts and backboards, the spot in their home where Baterbonia packed his luggage, and the proud display of his medals and trophies from his various tournaments and sporting events.

Baterbonia’s youngest brother showed the basketball moves Rene taught him.

“Ang pinakamami-miss ko sa kaniya ay kapag umuuwi siya rito. Pag-uwi niya, marami ang natutuwa at sumasalubong sa kaniya,” Baterbonia’s father, Rene Sr. said.

“Pero ang pinakamami-miss ko talaga ay ‘yung pagtawag niya sa akin ng ‘Pa.’ Iyon ang pinakamami-miss ko sa anak ko,” he added.

(What I will miss most about him is when he comes home. Whenever he arrived, many were happy and would welcome him. But what I will miss above all else is him calling me 'Pa.')

Baterbonia’s remains are set to be interred on June 24.

Meanwhile, the remains of fellow student-athelete Divine Adili will be transferred from Ateneo de Manila University to Arlington Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, June 17. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/RF, GMA News