Lawyer Israelito Torreon said his legal team will deploy lawyers to Agusan del Sur next week as part of efforts to gather statements and strengthen the case involving the death of young athlete Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia.
The remains of Baterbonia will be transported to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, on June 15.
Speaking to reporters, Torreon explained that a lawyer from their firm will stay in Agusan for seven days to coordinate with witnesses and secure available statements.
“Ang mangyayari sa Monday, pupunta na siya sa Agusan. Tapos ah, 7 days siya doon. Nag-assign na ako kasi nag-request din ‘yung family na baka pwede may lawyer din kaming i-assign doon. I’m asking, kasi sa ano kami sa law firm 17 kami. Mag rotation kami doon,” Torreon explained.
He stressed that the move is necessary because the team has encountered challenges conducting legal work in Manila due to the volume of visitors and public attention surrounding the case.
“Why is that needed? Because we still have to secure statements. Kasi hindi kami masyadong makatrabaho sa Manila. Ang daming mga bisita, tapos we’re taking advantage of the time here in Davao. And then, secure all statements and then, sa ano naman, sa Agusan. So kailangan may resident lawyer din kami nandoon para to get all statements na available,” he said.
When asked what distinguishes the Baterbonia case from other pro bono cases he has handled, Torreon said media attention may be one factor, noting that he has represented numerous clients free of charge in the past.
Torreon also addressed public perceptions linking him to prominent political figures, saying such associations should not overshadow the central issue of the case.
“Oo, siguro sa, sa media coverage siguro kaya nagkakaganito. At saka siguro ‘yung, let’s admit it, identified ako sa mga Duterte, identified ako sa, kay Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, identified ako kay Senator Bato dela Rosa. So siguro dahil diyan, ah maski gaano ka pa kagaling, sa, sa kabilang kampo, wala, tae ka. Parang ganun ba,” he said.
The lawyer emphasized that his involvement stemmed from personal ties to the victim’s community and requests from his own children, who were familiar with the victim through Ateneo de Davao.
“Eh iba naman ang isyu dito, may namatay. Eh taga-Ateneo de Davao, taga-Ateneo de Davao ako eh,” he said.
On concerns that political divisions could affect the pursuit of justice, Torreon expressed hope that the case would be viewed beyond partisan lines.
“I hope it will not matter, no? Kasi the division of our country has really affected even situations like this, no? And people are painted simply because of the fact that they are you know, green or yellow,” he said.
He underscored that the case involves the death of a young athlete with a promising future.
“I hope the people will understand that somebody died here. A young athlete who has much future um died here. And ako naman dito, ano lang eh, parang uh instrumento lamang ako. Instrumento ako na tumutulong po sa namatay. Huwag na lang sana nila bigyan ng kulay,” he said.
Despite acknowledging the influence and resources of those on the opposing side, Torreon said he remains confident that the law will ultimately determine the outcome.
“The law is the law, and regardless as to who will be on the other side, if the law is with me, then I, hopefully, I will be or the family will be victorious,” he said.
