Rene Clert Baterbonia, Barely a Blue Eagle, Returns Home
The ADDU Senior High School campus in Bangkal, Davao City held a mass after the arrival of the remains of Rene Clert Baterbonia on Friday, 12 June 2026.
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 12 June 2026) – Barely becoming a Blue Eagle after his recruitment to play for Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), 19-year-old Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia was a Blue Knight, MVP, and gentle giant. Now, he is home.
Baterbonia, a native of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) Senior High School 2026 alumnus, received a hero’s welcome as his remains were brought to his alma mater for public viewing.
The Palarong Pambansa 2025 MVP and gold medalist (secondary boys basketball) drowned during an off-campus training in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, along with Nigerian teammate Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, 21.
ADDU president Karel San Juan shared photos of Baterbonia’s arrival, while the university scheduled viewings from June 12 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) to June 14 (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM), with nightly masses at the Christ the King Chapel.
ADDU urged media to respect the family’s privacy, banning recordings, interviews, and drones. A press area was set up outside the campus for official updates.
Baterbonia, who recently graduated, had been recruited by ADMU and dreamed of helping his family. He was part of the Philippine team that won gold at the 2025 ASEAN School Games.
Social media overflowed with tributes to his humility and dedication. Before leaving for Manila, he told his ADDU coach he wouldn’t return for five years—determined to succeed and support his loved ones. (Yas D. Ocampo/MindaNews)
