By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The remains of Ateneo Blue Eagles rookie Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia began their final journey home on Monday morning, leaving Davao City at around 8 a.m. en route to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
What would have been a regular seven-hour land trip turned into a longer and emotionally charged procession, as the convoy made several stops along the way to allow residents and supporters to pay their respects to the young basketball player whose life was tragically cut short due to drowning.
Residents lined up along national highways in various towns, offering prayers, flowers, and silent salutes as the cortege passed through Mindanao communities mourning the loss of a promising athlete.
The convoy was expected to reach Talacogon by around 9 p.m. but actually arrived past midnight, barring delays caused by the extended stops and growing crowds along the route.
False convoy route spread online
Authorities and the bereaved family have strongly denied and clarified misleading information circulating on social media regarding the convoy’s travel route.
A viral post from online content creators falsely claimed to map out the exact procession route of Baterbonia’s remains, showing the convoy passing through several areas in Davao de Oro and multiple municipalities in Agusan del Sur, including Trento, Bunawan, Rosario, San Francisco, Prosperidad, before finally reaching Talacogon.
The post, which included a stylized map and convoy imagery, quickly gained traction online, causing confusion and unnecessary attention.
In an official family advisory, relatives stressed that no formal or detailed convoy route had been publicly released and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information.
They warned that such posts may lead to unnecessary crowding, disruption, and emotional distress during a sensitive period of mourning.
Local authorities echoed the appeal, urging the public to rely only on official announcements regarding funeral arrangements and the movement of the remains.
Public tribute along the route
Despite the confusion online, an outpouring of grief and support was seen along major highways, with thousands reportedly lining up from Tagum through Davao de Oro and into Agusan del Sur towns.
Many supporters chanted “MVP” as the convoy passed, honoring Baterbonia’s talent and potential as a rising basketball star.
In several areas, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire trucks were stationed along the route, creating a solemn water salute as the convoy passed through, further emphasizing the emotional weight of the procession.
By around 11 p.m., the convoy had reached San Francisco town, where crowds had already gathered in significant numbers along the national highway.
From Gaisano Grand Mall in San Francisco stretching toward the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center—venue of the Naliyagan Festival nightly concerts—a long line of residents filled the streets to witness the passing cortege.
Festival schedule briefly affected
Due to the overwhelming presence of mourners along the highway, festival activities were briefly affected, including the delayed start of a scheduled concert.
Solo performer Dionella reportedly began her set past midnight instead of the original 10 p.m. schedule, as festivalgoers remained gathered along the road to pay their respects.
Final journey continues
As the convoy continues toward Talacogon, the atmosphere across Agusan del Sur remains solemn, marked by grief, admiration, and collective mourning for a young athlete whose promise extended far beyond the court.
Preparations are ongoing in Talacogon for the arrival of Baterbonia’s remains, where a public viewing and vigil are expected to be held at the municipal gymnasium.
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