Ateneo de Davao coach, labis na nagdadalamhati sa pagkamatay ng isang atletang dati niyang sinanay
- Ateneo de Davao basketball coach, Jess Evangelio, shared a deeply emotional online tribute following the heartbreaking and sudden passing of basketball star Rene Baterbonia
- Coach Jess recounted their intense years of training together, expressing extreme sorrow that Rene will never return from Manila
- The tragic fatal incident occurred during an uncoordinated team activity in Aurora, sparking widespread investigations
- Rene’s remains will arrive home in Davao this Friday morning for a public viewing at his former senior high school campus
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Amid a wave of profound sorrow sweeping through the local sports community, prominent basketball coach Jess Evangelio broke his silence to mourn the untimely passing of his former star player, Rene Baterbonia, whose remains are scheduled to return to his hometown this week.
Source: Instagram
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting a flood of emotional tributes and a meticulous look into the circumstances surrounding the fatal event.
Expressing his deep devastation on social media, Coach Jess recalled the years of shared hardships, rigorous training, and absolute dedication that defined their tight-knit mentor-athlete relationship.
The coach fondly remembered their grueling schedule at the Ateneo de Davao University, where they worked relentlessly toward major milestones, including securing the Palarong Pambansa basketball championship title in 2025.
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In his heart-wrenching online post, Coach Jess shared just how deeply the separation impacted him when the young athlete moved to Luzon to further his athletic career, and how much more agonizing the current reality is.
“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,” the mentor wrote.
He added, “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.”
The tragic passing occurred on June 8, 2026, during a collegiate team-building activity held in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Rene, along with a foreign teammate identified as Divine, lost their lives after being swept out by strong waves during a coastal training session.
Medical examiners later confirmed that the primary cause of death for both athletes was asphyxia by drowning, noting no signs of external injuries.
According to a report by ABS-CBN News, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has already stepped in, identifying multiple persons of interest and issuing more than 20 subpoenas to individuals present at the resort.
Legal representatives for the grieving family have also sought regulatory interventions to guarantee a thorough, transparent, and completely uncompromised investigation.
Despite the heavy legal and investigative proceedings unfolding in the capital, the focus for the local community remains on honoring a life cut devastatingly short.
Coach Jess expressed everlasting gratitude for the memories they forged, concluding his tribute with profound words of affection. “Marami tayong pinagdaanan. Maraming pawis, sakripisyo, saya, at pangarap na pinagsaluhan. Salamat sa lahat ng alaala, kapatid,” he expressed, before assuring the late athlete, “Mahal na mahal ka namin. Hindi ka namin makakalimutan. Love you, MVP. Forever in our hearts.”
Arrangements have been finalized to bring Rene back to Davao on Friday morning, June 12, coinciding with Independence Day.
Coach Jess confirmed that a wake and public viewing will be hosted at the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School campus in Bangkal.
This will provide an opportunity for family, close friends, former classmates, teachers, and local supporters to gather, offer their prayers, and pay their final respects to the beloved student-athlete who touched countless lives both on and off the basketball court.
Tragically losing his life on June 8, 2026, 19-year-old hoops standout Rene Clert Baterbonia was a premier national basketball prospect. The Mindanao native possessed an impressive physical frame and sharp court vision. Gearing up for an anticipated UAAP debut, he was fully driven to use his athletic gifts to build a comfortable financial life for his family.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University issued a formal update addressing the sudden loss of Blue Eagles varsity players Rene Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili. Official reports state that immense waves and an intense rip current dragged the players away during low-depth training. School officials strictly dismissed internet rumors claiming that heavy gym gear was worn during the physical routine. An autonomous fact-finding committee was formed as head trainer Tab Baldwin and team official Epok Quimpo took a formal leave of absence.
Meanwhile, Rene's mother, Rovelyn, wept in overwhelming anguish within the walls of a memorial chapel. The heartbreaking emotional breakdown transpired right after a meeting with administrative delegates from the university. The entire campus community remains in deep grief following the tragic water accidents of the two varsity players. Following the tense interaction, the school officials exited the facility immediately without speaking to nearby reporters.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
