Mc Richard Paglicawan
Rovelyn Baterbonia is asking for prayers instead of a “celebration” as the family approaches the 100th day since the death of her son, promising young basketball player Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, September 5, Rovelyn said she does not want any celebration to be held at Rene’s grave for either the 90th or 100th day since his passing.
She also asked people not to bring food or other items—including lechon, pizza, and balloons—to his grave for the occasion.
According to Rovelyn, she is not ready for that kind of commemoration as she continues to grieve the loss of her son.
Instead, she said prayers would mean more to her. She also welcomed assistance that could be extended directly to her as she continues to pursue the case and seek answers surrounding Rene’s death.
Rovelyn included the hashtag “Respect my post” in her message.
Her latest statement comes after she recently denied accusations that she was using or profiting from her son’s death.
Rene was a young basketball player from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, who previously played for Ateneo de Davao University before becoming part of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
One of his major achievements came at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where he was named Most Valuable Player in boys’ basketball after helping Davao Region capture the championship.
Rene also had aspirations of building a better future for his family and helping his siblings. Following his death, Ateneo de Davao University announced scholarships for his six siblings in recognition of the future he had hoped to help provide for them.
Rene died on June 8, 2026, together with teammate and Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili during a team-building activity involving the Ateneo Blue Eagles at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora.
A post-mortem examination cited by the Aurora Provincial Police identified Rene’s cause of death as “asphyxia by drowning.”
His family, however, has continued to seek further answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. Investigations involving different agencies have also been reported, while Rovelyn has repeatedly called for justice and a clear explanation of what happened to her son.
Rene was laid to rest in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, on June 24.
