MANILA — Calls for justice and accountability continued on Wednesday, June 24, as Ateneo basketball player Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia was finally laid to rest in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Hundreds of relatives, friends, residents, and supporters attended a funeral Mass held at the Talacogon Municipal Gymnasium before the young athlete’s remains were taken to the Talacogon Municipal Memorial Park for burial.
The solemn ceremony drew notable figures, including Senator Robin Padilla and BB Gandanghari, who joined mourners in expressing condolences to the Baterbonia family.
One of the most poignant moments of the service came when Baterbonia’s mother, Rovelyn, delivered a heartfelt message. Overcome with emotion, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support that has helped the family cope with the loss of her son.
Baterbonia became the first person to be interred at the town’s newly established memorial park.
The Ateneo player died on June 8 during a team-building activity in Aurora province. The incident also claimed the life of fellow Blue Eagle and Nigerian national Divine Adili.
The twin deaths shocked the Philippine basketball community and sparked renewed discussions about safety measures during school-sponsored activities. Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy, while calls for accountability from concerned sectors continue to grow.
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