THE MOTHER of the late Rene Baterbonia, Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Eagles’ most valuable player, revealed they were not briefed on the type of training that Ateneo de Manila University players underwent in Aurora.
In a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Rovelyn Baterbonia told Agusan del Sur Santi Barriga Cane Jr. that she would not have allowed Rene to go if she had known.
“Wala mi gi orient nga pag moanhi imong anak naa mi training ing-ana. Kung gipasabot lang ko nila nga naa na di ko mosugot, bahalag magkalisod mi di nako siya iadto didto,” she said.
Rene Clert Beterbonia, 19, and teammate Divine Adili, 21, reportedly drowned during a team-building activity of the ADMU Blue Eagles team in Dipaculao, Aurora.
ADMU confirmed their passing through a statement on its Facebook page on Monday, noting the entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine.
The university said it is in communication with the families of the players to provide support.
“The university extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during the most difficult time,” ADMU said in its statement.
Rovelyn, along with Rene’s brother and father, flew to Manila on Tuesday morning. In an interview with national media, Rovelyn called for justice for his son, stressing that training on the beach with weights is not necessary as her son signed up for basketball and not as a swimmer.
In her Facebook post, Rovelyn shared a video clip of Mike Nieto, a former Ateneo Blue Eagle, who revealed his boot camp experience as part of the team building.
Nieto shared they were brought to a hidden resort and underwent military-type training for a week, including waking up at 3 a.m. to a loud siren.
“Bigla pong may alarm ng 3 a.m. tapos po magla-lungs kami sa buhangin tapos lalangoy din po kami, tapos siyempre iba niyo pong kasama hindi naman po marunong lumangoy, hindi niyo po pwedeng iwan,” he said.
The episode was posted on December 9, 2025, and has resurfaced on Facebook.
Rene was able to bring home a silver medal for the DAVRAA Eagles during the Palarong Pambansa 2026, held in his hometown, Agusan del Sur, last month.
