Baterbonia's mom warns vloggers ahead of son's July 18 memorial

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The mother of the late Agusan del Sur basketball standout Rene Clert Baterbonia has appealed to social media content creators to respect their family’s privacy during the “kuwarenta dias” commemoration for her son on July 18.

The memorial will be held at the Labnig Public Cemetery in Talacogon.

“Kuwarenta dias,” or the 40th day after a person’s death, is a Filipino mourning tradition commonly marked by prayers, Masses, family gatherings, and remembrance. For many grieving families, it is considered a solemn occasion to honor the departed and seek comfort after the loss.

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READ: Agusan del Sur town prepares for 40th day memorial for Baterbornia

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“I am appealing to those who will come here on July 18 not to vlog our personal affairs just to have content. If you want to vlog the event, make it right. Do not make your coverage just to earn money and not really condole with us,” Rovelyn Baterbonia said in an interview with the local media at the Talacogon Central Elementary School on Wednesday.

Rovelyn was at the public school to witness the turnover of 11 computers, laptops, and accessories donated by Dr. Carl Balita, founder of the Carl Balita Review Center.

Balita personally delivered the computer sets to the school, fulfilling what the family said was one of Rene’s dreams: to someday give back to his alma mater once he was successful as a professional basketball player.

“As his mother, I am happy that the dreams of my son continue to become a reality,” Rovelyn said, adding that three of her children are currently studying at the same school.

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But when asked how she was coping with her son’s death, Rovelyn said she remained deeply in pain.

“I am still not okay until we achieve justice for the death of our son,” she said.

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READ: Ateneo drowning probe: Rene Baterbonia’s family shows up at CIDG

Rene and fellow Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball player Divine Adili died in a drowning incident on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Reports said the two student-athletes were swept away by waves while in the water.

Their deaths prompted mourning in the sports community and triggered investigations by authorities.

Despite her grief, Rovelyn expressed gratitude to Rene’s supporters from many parts of the country and overseas who continue to send food, flowers, and messages of sympathy to their family.

She shared that one family gave up a planned vacation to Japan to visit them in Talacogon and express their condolences.

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“Talacogon has become a popular tourist destination because of Rene,” Rovelyn said./coa