Rene Baterbonia, the 18-year-old basketball standout and 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP who died in a drowning incident during Ateneo’s team-building activity, was laid to rest on Wednesday in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Family members, teammates, coaches, government officials, and residents gathered to pay their final respects, with some calling for justice as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Baterbonia died alongside teammate Divine Adili during the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, with autopsy reports confirming both succumbed to asphyxia by drowning.
Former Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin recently appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in connection with the ongoing probe but declined to comment.
Before his burial, Baterbonia’s wake was held in Quezon City, Ateneo de Davao University, and his hometown in Talacogon, where mourners honored his life and basketball legacy.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 25, 2026
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