By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur — The older brother of the late Rene Baterbonia said their parents are the ones attending the investigation being conducted by government authorities into his brother’s death.
“My parents are the ones who know the progress of the case. We are not participating in it,” said Rubeyan Baterbonia, 20, a second-year college student at Rizal Memorial College in General Santos City.
He said he and his younger brother, Arvie, are simply awaiting the results of the investigation. Rubeyan recalled that he initially could not believe the news of Rene’s death and was shocked when their mother, Rovelyn, called him to deliver the heartbreaking information.
“She was crying very hard,” Rubeyan said.
Rubeyan and Rene were teammates in the inter-barangay tournament during the 2023 Mayor’s Cup in Talacogon.
After that, Rubeyan eventually stopped playing basketball as he became more interested in archery. He went on to compete in inter-school tournaments, where he earned gold, silver, and bronze medals, although he failed to meet the required points to qualify for the Palarong Pambansa in 2024.
He added that their younger brother, Arvie, is currently being trained in high school basketball at Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and is expected to transfer there next year as a Grade 10 student. As for him, Rubeyan said he is still considering his future path.
Rene Baterbonia, 18, grew up deeply immersed in basketball, inspired early on by his father, whom he often watched compete in local leagues during his childhood.
According to Arfylle Goloran, a reporter of PTV 8 Agusan del Sur and a native of Talacogon, Rene’s father—locally known as “Boboy”—was once a respected sharpshooter in his own right, standing out in Barangay San Nicolas during the 40-above category of the Mayor’s Cup Summer Basketball League.
Goloran recalled that Boboy was known for his trademark rainbow three-point shots and his scoring ability from beyond the arc. However, despite his offensive talent, his team often struggled due to a lack of supporting players.
Rene, together with his older brother Rubeyan, eventually followed in their father’s footsteps and became teammates in the under-18 category of a previous Mayor’s Cup tournament, continuing the family’s basketball legacy on the court.
During his high school years, Rene actively competed in various tournaments, including the Governor’s Cup, where he played as early as age 15. He also represented his school in district, division, and regional-level competitions under the Department of Education.
While Rene pursued basketball competitively, his brother Rubeyan took a different path in athletics, joining archery events during school-based sports meets.
From father to sons, the Baterbonia family’s story reflects a deep-rooted passion for sports that shaped their youth and inspired many in their community.
The family, however, lives under difficult economic conditions.
A neighbor in Barangay San Nicolas, Apple Curato Ambrocio, said the parents earn a living by selling mudfish locally known as haluan, which are abundant in the Agusan Marsh, at the Talacogon Public Market.
She added that Rovelyn works part-time as an on-call manicurist, while the father drives passenger vehicles to help support the family.
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