The Mindanao sports community is mourning the loss of rising basketball star Rene Clert Baterbonia, the 2025 Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player (MVP), who died in a drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8 during a team-building activity of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
Baterbonia, 19, a native of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, and an incoming rookie for Ateneo, was among two players who died in the tragedy.
The university also confirmed the death of his teammate, 21-year-old Nigerian import Divine Adili.
According to a statement released by the Blue Eagles, the team was participating in a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, as part of its preparations for the Filoil Preseason Cup and the upcoming UAAP Season 89 when the incident occurred.
No further details were immediately provided by the school.
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Known for his outstanding performance on the court, Baterbonia carried the hopes of Mindanao basketball as he rose from provincial competitions to national prominence.
A product of Agusan del Sur's sports development program, he became one of the region's most celebrated young athletes after being named MVP of the basketball tournament at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City.
Earlier this year, he helped the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Eagles capture the silver medal in the secondary boys' basketball competition during the Palarong Pambansa hosted by Agusan del Sur.
In a phone interview on Tuesday, Baterbonia's uncle, Sandy Baterbonia, said the family is focused on bringing the young athlete's remains home.
“Ang unang plano, dalhon gyud siya sa Talacogon,” Sandy said.
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As of press time, Rene's parents had arrived in Manila to attend to the necessary arrangements and receive their son's remains.
The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur also expressed grief over Baterbonia's passing.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Governor Santiago Cane Jr. described him as one of the province's most promising sports talents whose achievements brought pride to Agusan del Sur and Mindanao.
The governor also noted that questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered and assured the public that the provincial government would closely monitor developments.
“He would have become another basketball icon from Agusan del Sur,” Cane said.
Baterbonia's untimely death has left fellow athletes, coaches, and supporters across Mindanao grieving the loss of a young player whose basketball journey was only beginning.
Many remember him not only for his accomplishments on the court but also for the promise he carried as one of Mindanao's emerging stars in Philippine basketball.
As tributes continue to pour in, family members, teammates, and supporters are remembering Baterbonia as a talented athlete whose dedication, discipline, and potential inspired many young basketball players across Mindanao.
