After days of mourning in Manila, Rene 'Bobet' Baterbonia is set to make one final trip home.
The Ateneo rookie’s remains are expected to be flown to his native Agusan del Sur on Thursday, as soon as his family completes the necessary documents following his shock death during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
His mother Rovelyn, can't wait to bring him home.
“Sa ngayon naghihintay lang po ako sa resulta ng autopsy and then yung death certificate niya, yung mga certification. Lahat ng papers gusto kong maimbak lahat,” she told the media.
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“Pagkatapos nun baka mamaya o bukas ililipad po namin yung anak ko patungong Agusan,” she added.
The journey home will allow Baterbonia’s relatives, friends, and supporters in Mindanao to pay their final respects to the young athlete whose life was cut short at just 19 years old.
Before returning to his hometown, however, the promising big man is also expected to make a final stop in a community that played a significant role in his basketball journey.
According to his high school mentor Jess Evangelio, plans are being arranged for the former Blue Knight standout to be brought to Ateneo de Davao where friends, classmates, teachers, teammates, and supporters will have the opportunity to say their goodbyes.
“For those who would like to pay their respects and offer prayers for Rene, he will be brought to Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School for a day during his wake,” Evangelio said in a social media post.
“This will give his friends, classmates, teachers, teammates, and supporters an opportunity to visit, pray, and honor his memory.”
For Evangelio, the journey home is fitting for a player who left a lasting impact wherever he went.
“Rene touched so many lives through his kindness, hard work, and love for the game,” the tactician added. “We know that many people in the Ateneo community would like the chance to say their final goodbye.”
Details regarding the schedule are still being finalized.
As preparations continue for Baterbonia’s return to Mindanao, those closest to him are hoping the journey home will allow the communities that helped shape his life - from Agusan del Sur to Davao and eventually Ateneo - a final chance to honor a young man whose dream inspired many.
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