TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 17 June) – Fourteen-year-old Rhenz “RB” Baterbonia was practicing basketball late afternoon on June 8 in his Davao City dormitory, where he and his older brother, Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, shared a room for two years, when the dorm owner’s wife called him.
“Gitawag ko niya. Nihilak sya. Gigakos ko niya. Ana dayon kalit nga patay na daw lagi si Kuya. Imong kuya wala na. Ingon ana ko, ngano, ngano? Patay na imong Kuya. Ngano, ngano. Ingon sya nalumos daw. Nihilak dayon ko ato,” Rhenz recounted at his brother’s wake in Talacogon.
He cried for 30 minutes before calling relatives in Talaingod to confirm if his parents knew, then broke the news to them. Between Davao City and Talacogon, they grieved together over the phone.
Rhenz later sought out Coach Jess Evangelio, Bobet’s coach, finding him at a tryout. “Nigakos ko sa iya. Naghinilakay mi,” he said.
A Grade 9 incoming student, Rhenz had been a scholar at Davao City High School. Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) President Fr. Karel San Juan recently announced scholarships for Bobet’s six siblings. Coach Jess revealed that Rhenz was the reason Bobet chose ADDU-SHS over 29 other schools recruiting him, including offers from Manila with better financial incentives.
“Si RB ang rason nganong naadto sa atoa si Bobet. Mas gipili niya mas safety, mas secure iyang manghod,” Coach Jess said.
Bobet, described as “family-oriented,” had arrived at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on June 4 as an incoming freshman and Blue Eagles recruit. He told Coach Jess he wouldn’t return home for five years, determined to lift his family out of poverty. His parents sell fish in the market.
Rhenz last saw Bobet on June 3 before his Manila departure. Their conversations were lighthearted, but Bobet often reminded him: “Pagtarong gyud ug eskwela. Ayaw gara-gara para makaluwas ta sa kalisod.” (“Study hard. Don’t take it lightly so we can overcome hardship.”)
Bobet’s funeral convoy passed through Mawab, Davao de Oro, on June 15, en route to Talacogon. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)
