By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. has assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to support the family of Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia while also initiating a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
Baterbonia, 19, a homegrown basketball talent from Talacogon town, represented the Davao Region in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2026, hosted by Agusan del Sur. He was a varsity player for Ateneo de Davao University and was named Most Valuable Player in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Norte.
Tragically, Baterbonia and fellow athlete Divine Adili died in a drowning incident during what Ateneo described as a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In an official statement, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) expressed profound sorrow over the untimely deaths of the two student-athletes, members of the university’s men’s basketball program.
“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. We offer our deepest sympathy to their families and friends and ask for privacy as we grieve together,” ADMU said.
The university added that both athletes were valued members of the basketball program. Adili had competed in UAAP Season 88, while Baterbonia was expected to join the team for Season 89. ADMU pledged continued support to the families and the basketball team during this difficult time.
Governor Cane said all arrangements for Baterbonia’s family have already been coordinated. Through the efforts of Sanggunian Panlalawigan member Jing MasendoandTalacogon Mayor Pauline Masendo, the athlete’s parents are set to travel to Manila today, with tickets, hotel accommodations, and transportation fully arranged.
“Do not worry,” Gov. Cane said. “We are committed to assisting the family to properly lay Bobet to rest. Once that is done, we will pursue a thorough investigation into his death, especially if the official explanation from ADMU does not sufficiently clarify why Bobet and another recruit died during what was reported as a team-building activity.”
The governor emphasized that the probe aims to uncover the truth and ensure accountability, responding to growing public concern over the tragic incident.
Baterbonia’s mother, Rovelyn, who met with Cane before flying to Manila, said ADMU never informed her family that her son would undergo rigorous training.
“They never oriented us properly about the team-building activity. If I knew it, I would never have allowed my son to participate,” she said.
She added that she had supported her son’s rising basketball career as a way for their family to overcome hardships.
“We left Agusan Marsh because of continuous flooding. Bobet’s success in basketball was our hope for a better life,” she said.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have sparked widespread condolences from the sporting community, provincial officials, and fans, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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