High school coach ni Rene Baterbonia, nag react sa speculation ukol sa ankle weights

• Rene Baterbonia’s high school coach Jess Evangelio has denied online claims that Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili were swimming with ankle weights before their deaths in Aurora
• Police authorities also said they have not received any information indicating that weights were used during the activity
• Evangelio personally asked members of the coaching staff and was told that no weights were placed on the players
• The coach also paid tribute to Baterbonia and announced that the young athlete would be brought to Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School during his wake so supporters could pay their final respects

Rene Baterbonia’s former high school basketball coach Jess Evangelio has addressed viral online speculation surrounding the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Baterbonia and Divine Adili, denying claims that the two athletes were swimming with ankle weights during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The clarification came after social media posts and discussions circulated allegations that the players had been wearing weights when the tragic incident occurred.

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In a comment shared on a News5 post, Evangelio revealed that he personally sought clarification from those involved.

“Tinanong ko, coach to coach. Sabi nila, wala namang weights na nilagay sa players,” Evangelio said.

Authorities have likewise denied the circulating claims.

Police Provincial Director P/Col. Percival Pineda said investigators have not received any statements supporting the allegation.

“Base sa statement ng ating mga nakausap, wala pong ganoong sinasabi na weights,” Pineda stated.

The police official’s remarks came as authorities continue their investigation into the deaths of the two student-athletes, who passed away during a team-building activity on June 8.

Officials have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation remains ongoing.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the Philippine basketball community.

Amid the mourning, Evangelio also shared details regarding opportunities for the public to honor Baterbonia’s life.

In a Facebook post, the coach announced that Rene’s remains would be brought to Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School during his wake.

“For those who would like to pay their respects and offer prayers for Rene, he will be brought to Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School for a day during his wake. This will give his friends, classmates, teachers, teammates, and supporters an opportunity to visit, pray, and honor his memory,” Evangelio wrote.

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The former coach also reflected on the impact Baterbonia had on those around him.

“Rene touched so many lives through his kindness, hard work, and love for the game. We know that many people in the Ateneo community would like the chance to say their final goodbye,” he added.

As the Ateneo community continues to grieve, many have called for patience and respect while authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

Following the tragedy, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) issued a statement expressing condolences to the families, friends, teammates, and loved ones of the victims. According to authorities, personnel from the Dipaculao Municipal Police Station immediately responded after receiving reports about the incident and coordinated with concerned agencies to provide assistance. PRO 3 likewise assured the public that a thorough investigation is being conducted to determine all circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Previously, Ateneo de Manila University confirmed the passing of Baterbonia and Adili through an official statement. The university said it is extending support to the families of the two student-athletes, as well as to teammates, coaches, and members of the Ateneo community affected by the tragedy. Ateneo also requested privacy for those grieving and asked the public to continue praying for everyone impacted by the heartbreaking loss.

Source: KAMI.com.gh