The mother of the late Ateneo de Manila University basketball player Rene Clert Baterbonia delivered a tearful plea for transparency and justice as her son was laid to rest on Wednesday.
Rovelyn Baterbonia wept openly during her final viewing of her son’s remains at the Talacogon Memorial Park, where a crowd of relatives, friends, and sympathizers gathered to pay their last respects before the interment.
Clasping her son’s basketball jersey, Rovelyn voiced her deep pain over what she considers unresolved mysteries behind his untimely passing.
“Ayaw sila patulga bisan di sila motug-an og tinuod, gikan sa coach, staff, ayaw gayud (‘Wag mo silang patulugin kung hindi sila nagsasabi ng totoo, mula sa coach, staff),” she said.
The call for accountability follows the tragic drowning of Baterbonia and his fellow Ateneo athlete, Divine Adili, during a team-building excursion in Aurora earlier this month. Official investigations into the double fatality remain underway.
Reflecting on her loss, the heartbroken mother described Rene Clert as an incredibly affectionate, devoted, and selfless son who always prioritized his family.
“Gisayangan ka lang nila. Grabe pangga ko kanimo. Bisan sa kalisod wala tamo biyae (Sinayang ka lang nila. Grabe ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo. Kahit sa hirap, hindi ko kayo iniwan),” Rovelyn said through tears.
Amid her immense grief, she expressed deep gratitude to Rene Clert for his constant kindness and the unwavering support he provided to their household.
As various agencies continue to look into the tragedy, the Baterbonia family maintains its demand for a thorough and honest disclosure of what happened during the fatal event, insisting that negligent parties must face consequences.
Rene Clert was buried in his hometown in Agusan del Sur on June 24.