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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
June 28, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The family of the late Rene Baterbonia received a P2.266-million condominium unit in Davao City from the National Housing Authority (NHA).
The provincial government of Agusan del Sur noted that for over 20 years, the Baterbonia family lived in a modest ancestral home that was often flooded, forcing them to evacuate whenever heavy rains came.
“Despite their hardships, the late MVP Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ N. Baterbonia never stopped dreaming of providing his family with a safer and better home – a promise he often shared with his mother,” the Agusan del Sur local government unit said on Facebook.It said that through the generosity of the NHA, with the support of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr., the LGU of Talacogon and other partners, the family received a condominium unit – a home that offers safety, stability and a fresh start after years of living in a flood-prone area.
“While no home can ever replace the presence of a beloved son, this new beginning stands as a lasting reminder that compassion can turn grief into hope. It is a testament to how a community came together to honor Bobet’s memory not only through words and tributes, but through an act of kindness that will continue to shelter and uplift the family he loved so deeply,” the Agusan del Sur LGU added.
For her part, Rovelyn, mother of Baterbonia, said owning a house was one of the promises of her late son.
“I did not expect that there will be someone who can help us because that is one of the plans of my son. That is one of our plans. We will stay in Davao so that I can monitor his brother because he sleeps late, he studies late,” Rovelyn said.
Rovelyn added that she did not expect that all the things her son promised are coming true. “I just thought of that now. Did he say that because he was leaving us?”
She said that her family will not transfer immediately to Davao City as Baterbonia’s younger siblings are still studying in Agusan.
“I cannot transfer them immediately. Because I still have a lot of things to do here. I still can’t leave as I still need to build a mausoleum for my son. So, for now, I will let them study here,” Rovelyn said.
Support
The Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday assured its student managers and utility ball boys of support after they were among 11 team personnel recommended to be charged over the drowning of two student-athletes.
In a statement, Ateneo spokesman Fr. RB Hizon vowed to provide assistance to managers Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud and ball boys Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa.
“We share the concerns and anxiety that this situation has caused our students, including our student managers and utility ball boys,” Hizon said.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is evaluating a police recommendation to file criminal charges – including violations of the Anti-Hazing Act and potential homicide – against former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 others.
“Recognizing the unique circumstances and needs of those affected, the university has reached out to them and their families to offer appropriate support and accompaniment throughout the legal process, while respecting that each respondent’s rights and interests must be represented independently,” Hizon said.
The DOJ confirmed its receipt of the formal referral from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
The other respondents include strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Ceasar Vincent Elumba, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Soriano and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., and physical therapist John Eric Rueca.
“Our foremost concern is the welfare of our students and staff, and the assurance that each of them receives the support, fairness and due process they deserve,” Hizon added.
If found guilty, Baldwin and the others face a penalty of up to 40 years imprisonment and P3 million each in fines.
