Supporters, friends, and sympathizers of Ateneo basketball player Rene Clert Baterbonia flocked to Ateneo de Davao University to pay their respects to ADDU’s high school star.
Baterbonia’s remains arrived in Davao City dawn on Friday, June 12, 2026 from Manila.
The private plane that carried his remains landed at the Davao International Airport around 2:30 a.m. His remains were then brought to a funeral home before being taken to Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School campus for public viewing.
Supporters gathered to extend their sympathies and pay their respects. Some also sent flowers.
One Wilson Pagalaran personally delivered flowers made by a company for Baterbonia.
The Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School, where Baterbonia graduated, was part of his basketball journey until he was awarded most valuable player during the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.
Family and close friends called him fondly “Bobet.”
Baterbonia’s remains were brought to the Christ the King Chapel.
Police enforced strict security to ensure public viewing is orderly.
The wake was opened to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 12. The public viewing will continue until Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A Mass will be celebrated each night.
According to the family’s lawyer, after three days, Baterbonia’s remains will be brought to his hometown of Talacogon in Agusan del Sur.
Baterbonia and fellow student-athlete Divine Adili drowned while at a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Aurora Provincial Police Office has said the two players died of asphyxia by drowning. Authorities also clarified that no bruises were found on Baterbonia’s body as per the autopsy report.
Investigations from lead agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are already underway.
As different agencies started parallel investigations into the incident, Ateneo has announced that men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Christopher Quimpo have gone on leave.
Ateneo also said that Baldwin's silence, so far, is upon the advice of the university.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte also extended her condolences to the bereaved families of the two players, saying she mourns the loss of two young athletes and their promising talents.
She also support for the call for justice in connection with their deaths.
“As a lawyer actionable yong nangyari hindi ko na lang gatungan ang pamilya mahirap yong pinagdadaanan nila ngayon. (Jump Sot) gawin nila legally at magkunsulta ng abogado,” Duterte said.
The Vice President added that the Ateneo de Manila University had shortcomings in relation to the incident.
“Pakiramdam ko kulang na kulang yong response ng Ateneo sa nangyari hindi lang kay Rene pati sa isang foreigner na player din ng Ateneo na namatay. Dapat kasi sa mga ganyan na panahon ay nauuna ang pag reachout sa family at pagpapaintindi sa pamilya kung ano yong kailanganng gawin the family and the school,” Duterte added.
(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)
