Ateneo de Davao basketball coach Jess Evangelio has expressed his gratitude to Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and the city government of Davao for extending assistance to the family and loved ones of the late Ateneo Blue Eagles player Rene Clert Baterbonia.
In a statement, Evangelio thanked local officials for their swift and compassionate support, which included food, transportation, accommodation, and security assistance provided to the bereaved family, friends, and supporters.
“Kudos to the city government of Davao. During one of the darkest times in our lives, you stood with us every step of the way. From food, transportation, accommodation, and security, your support and assistance meant so much to the family, friends, and loved ones of Rene,” Evangelio said.
He added that the assistance helped ease the burden on the family and ensured that Baterbonia was brought home with dignity and honor.
“From the bottom of my heart, daghang salamat kaayo. Your kindness, compassion, and service brought comfort to us during a time of immense grief,” he said.
Evangelio also extended his gratitude to Duterte, noting the mayor’s efforts to coordinate assistance from Manila to Davao and up to Talacogon.
“We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte for extending assistance from Manila to Davao and all the way to Talacogon. Your support helped ease the burden on Rene’s family and ensured that he was brought home with dignity and honor,” Evangelio said.
He further thanked all those who stood by the family during their time of mourning.
“On behalf of the Baterbonia family and everyone who loves Bobet, thank you for standing with us when we needed it the most. Daghang salamat, City Government of Davao. Daghang salamat, Mayor Baste Duterte,” he added.
Baterbonia’s wake is currently in his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, after being brought there on Monday, June 15, where thousands of Agusanons lined the streets to pay their final respects to the 18-year-old athlete, fondly remembered as a “hometown hero” and the “People’s MVP.”
His remains will lie in state in Talacogon until his burial scheduled on June 24.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has classified the deaths of Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora as “not an accident.”
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, that four team members were involved in the June 8 drowning incident, with two surviving while Baterbonia and Adili died.
Morico said investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, while first responders will also be summoned to provide accounts of what happened.
The CIDG said the investigation is ongoing and further findings will be released.
