The remains of Ateneo student-athlete Rene Baterbonia have been brought to his hometown in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Monday, June 15, 2026, after a three-day wake at the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School Campus in Davao City.

The funeral convoy departed around 8 a.m. and headed to a funeral home in Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City for final preparations before being transported to his hometown at around 1 p.m.

As the convoy traveled along its route, an outpouring of support for Baterbonia could be seen from people gathered by the road.

Sone supporters played drums while groups of students gathered to pay their respects before heading to their classes.

Others shouted “MVP” in recognition of the student-athlete while other mourners called for justice.

“Idol siya sa isa nako ka anak nga basketbolista pud.  Siyempre tagaan gyud na siya og hustisya. Love namu siya  dirisa Riverside taga Lasang,” a supporter, Joanne Himungala, said.

“Dugay nako ka idol sa iyaha kanang high school pa lang siya, naa pa na si ansay nagasuporta nako sa iyaha…Hangtud sa karon wala pay klaro  nga unsay gyud tinuod nga nahitabo sa iyaha,” another supporter, Zam Anthony Suarez, added.

The same scene unfolded when Baterbonia’s funeral convoy arrived at the funeral home in Panabo City, where supporters gathered to welcome and pay tribute to him.

His remains were then transported to the Talacogon Municipal Evacuation and Gymnasium in Barangay San Agustin, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

The local government of Talacogon requested that family members and relatives be given private time to grieve and pay their respects once the remains arrived.

Public viewing will begin on Tuesday, June 16, at 1 p.m.

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.

(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)