Ateneo de Davao coach Jess Evangelio mourns the untimely passing of his former player, Rene Baterbonia.
Evangelio took to social media to share an emotional tribute, recalling their years as coach and athlete.
“For 2 years, araw-araw tayong magkasama. Five days of practice, two days of games or minsan seven days of practice straight. Ganyan tayo magtrabaho sa Ateneo de Davao para maabot ang mga pangarap natin. Araw-araw kitang kasama, Rene. Araw-araw,” he wrote.
He went on to recall how it was difficult when Rene left to pursue his dreams, and how even more painful it is now knowing he will no longer come back.
“Masakit para sa akin nang umalis ka papuntang Manila para tuparin ang pangarap mo, dahil alam kong hindi na kita makikita araw araw. Pero hindi ko akalaing mas masakit pa pala ang realidad na ito na habang buhay na kitang hindi makikita,” Evangelio expressed.
The former basketball coach of Rene recalled the years they spent together, marked by sacrifices and memories.
“Marami tayong pinagdaanan. Maraming pawis, sakripisyo, saya, at pangarap na pinagsaluhan. Salamat sa lahat ng alaala, kapatid,” he said.
At the end of his post, he assured Rene that his memory will never be forgotten.
“Mahal na mahal ka namin. Hindi ka namin makakalimutan. Love you, MVP. Forever in our hearts.” Evangelio shared.
Rene’s remains will be brought to Davao on June 12, where family, friends, and those who wish to pay their respects may gather to honor him.
“Rene will be arriving in Davao this Friday morning, Independence Day. He will be staying at Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School BANGKAL. For all his loved ones, supporters, teachers, friends, teammates, and family members in Davao who would like to pay their respects and visit him, you may do so there. Further updates regarding schedules and arrangements will be posted as soon as they become available. Thank you for all the love, prayers, and support for Rene and his family,” Evangelio shared in a post.
On June 8, Ateneo de Manila University confirmed that basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. According to reports, the two were swept away by waves while in waist-deep water during what was described as part of their “training.”
SEE RELATED STORY: Ateneo’s Adili, Baterbonia pass away in drowning incident
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said they were later found unconscious after more than 30 minutes and were declared dead on arrival at a hospital, with post-mortem findings indicating “asphyxia by drowning.”
According to ABS-CBN News, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has identified “not fewer than three” persons of interest as part of its ongoing investigation. Authorities clarified that persons of interest are not considered suspects at this stage.
It has also issued subpoenas to more than 20 individuals, including coaches and players who were present during the activity.
Meanwhile, lawyers for the Baterbonia family have also reportedly requested an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order for Ateneo De Manila University basketball coach Tab Baldwin.