Baterbonia family still awaiting probe results on kin's death

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur — The Baterbonia family is still awaiting the results of the investigation on the drowning incident that killed rising Mindanaoan basketball star Rene Clert, an older brother said.

The 18-year-old Ateneo Blue Eagles player died on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora province, in Luzon.

READ: Baterbonia returns home to chants of ‘MVP!’

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Rubeyan, the eldest among seven Baterbonia siblings, told the Inquirer Tuesday afternoon here that their parents, Rene and Rovelyn, are the ones attending the investigation being conducted by government authorities into his brother’s death.

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He did not provide any significant updates in the ongoing investigation.

Rubeyan recalled that he initially could not believe the news of Rene’s death and was utterly shocked when their mother called him up to deliver the heartbreaking information.

“She was crying very hard,” said Rubeyan, 20, a second-year college student at the Rizal Memorial College in General Santos City.

Rubeyan and Rene were teammates in the inter-barangay tournament during the 2023 Mayor’s Cup in Talacogon.

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After that, Rubeyan stopped playing basketball as he became more interested in archery. He went on to compete in inter-school tournaments, where he earned gold, silver, and bronze medals. But he failed to meet the required points to qualify for the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.

He added that their younger brother, Arvie, is currently being trained to play high school basketball at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). He is expected to transfer there next year as a Grade 10 student. The university has offered scholarships for the six Baterbonia siblings.

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As for him, Rubeyan said he is still contemplating his future path.

Dire situation

The family lives under difficult economic conditions.

READ: Ateneo head apologizes: 2 young men entrusted to us didn’t return home

A neighbor in Barangay San Nicolas, Apple Curato Ambrocio, said the parents earn a living by selling mudfish locally known as haluan, which are abundant in the Agusan Marsh, at the Talacogon Public Market.

She added that Rovelyn works part-time as an on-call manicurist, while the father drives passenger vehicles to help support the family.

Deep love for basketball

Rene grew up deeply immersed in basketball, inspired early on by his father, whom he often watched compete in local leagues.

According to Arfylle Goloran, a reporter of PTV 8 Agusan del Sur and a native of Talacogon, Rene’s father—locally known as “Boboy”—was a respected sharpshooter in his own right, standing out in Barangay San Nicolas during the 40-above category of the Mayor’s Cup Summer Basketball League.

Goloran recalled that Boboy was known for his trademark rainbow three-point shots and his scoring ability. However, despite his offensive talent, his team often struggled due to a lack of supporting players.

Rene and Rubeyan eventually followed in their father’s footsteps and became teammates in the under-18 category of a previous Mayor’s Cup tournament, continuing the family’s basketball legacy on the court.

During his high school years, Rene actively competed in various tournaments, including the Governor’s Cup, where he played as early as age 15.

He also represented his school in district, division, and regional-level competitions administered by the Department of Education.

While Rene pursued competitive basketball, his brother Rubeyan competed in archery events at school sports meets.

READ: Rene Baterbonia’s unfinished dream: From Talacogon to the big stage

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From father to sons, the Baterbonia family’s story reflects a deep-rooted passion for sports that shaped their youth and inspired many in their community./coa