The family of Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia mourns the loss of their son, brother, and friend, who tragically died during a basketball training session in Dipaculao, Aurora. His remains were returned to
Remembering a Promising Young Athlete
Their apologies and pleas for forgiveness are not enough—that's not what we need. What we need is an apology rooted in genuine empathy and the truth.
Bebet Baterbonia, Mother
Rene's mother Bebet shared that he grew up helping the family, selling keychains to support their household before he pursued basketball in Manila. Despite their struggles, Rene remained focused on his goal of providing a better life for them.
His father Bobot, a former basketball player, recognized Rene's talent early on. He recalls how his son expressed his determination to fulfill the dreams he could not achieve.
Impact on Teammates and Community
Teammates remember Rene as a kind and reliable friend. Macky, a former teammate, described him as someone who was always there to support others.
Tragically, Rene and his teammate Divine Adili drowned during a training activity. Reports indicate that the team was unprepared for the changing water conditions.
Authorities including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are currently conducting inquiries into the incident, with potential implications of negligence.
In the wake of this tragedy, Ateneo de Manila University has expressed its condolences and pledged full cooperation in the investigation. However, Rene’s family seeks a deeper understanding and accountability.
As Bebet articulated, they are not just looking for apologies but for a commitment to transparency and genuine empathy from the university. This includes discussions about the