Ateneo student-athlete Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia was laid to rest in his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, on Wednesday, June 24.
The 18-year-old member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team was honored during a funeral Mass and final wake held at the Municipal Gymnasium in Talacogon before being brought to his final resting place.
Photos shared by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur on Facebook captured emotional moments from the service, where hundreds of mourners filled the venue to pay their respects to the promising athlete whose life was tragically cut short after a drowning incident during a “team-building” activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, 2026.
Among those in attendance were Baterbonia’s parents, siblings, relatives, friends, teammates, local officials, and members of the community, all united in prayer as they remembered the life and legacy of the young Agsurnon.
During the wake, Rene’s mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, expressed her family’s heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood by them during “one of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
Speaking before mourners gathered at the Municipal Gymnasium, she thanked the many individuals who offered condolences, prayers, and support following her son’s passing.
Following the funeral Mass, mourners joined the funeral convoy that accompanied Baterbonia on his final journey to Talacogon Memorial Park. He became the first person to be interred at the newly opened memorial park.
A day before his burial, the municipal government of Talacogon officially declared June 8 as “Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ N. Baterbonia Day” through Municipal Resolution No. 430-2026, honoring the late athlete for his contributions to sports, discipline, and community service.
