A long line of mourners had formed before the doors of the Christ the King Chapel here when it opened on Friday morning.
Thousands quietly filled the chapel at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Senior High School-Bangkal campus, where the remains of rising basketball star Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ Baterbonia now lie in state.
Students, teachers, alumni, teammates, friends, and supporters waited patiently for their turn to pay their final respects, clutching memories and fighting back tears for Baterbonia, whom AdDU president, Fr. Karel San Juan SJ, called ‘our Gentle Giant.’
Jesuits speak
Baterbonia, 19, and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, 21, were participating in a team-building activity with members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team and the coaching staff team near a resort shoreline in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8 when they were swept away by strong currents and drowned.
Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday announced an independent fact-finding investigation into the deaths, as multiple government agencies intensified separate inquiries.
The leader of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines acknowledged that ‘more could have been done in the way the tragedy has been dealt with and communicated.’
‘In the past few days, many in our communities, especially our alumni, have reminded us of the Ignatian and moral principles we passionately taught in our schools, like cura personalis or care for the individual person, compassion, social justice, truth, accountability, and solidarity. We are grateful for these reminders and for the call to greater fidelity whenever we fall short,’ said Fr. Xavier Olin SJ, the Jesuit Provincial, in a statement on Friday.
‘[W]e assure our communities and the general public that we will exert everything in our power to do what is right, what is just, and what is loving for our beloved students Rene, Divine, and their families,’ he said.
The Philippine National Police on Friday assured the players’ families and the public that its investigation into the incident would be ‘impartial and independent.’
Also on Friday, four days after the incident, Tab Baldwin, the head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, offered his apologies to the families of Baterbonia and Adili. (See related story on this page)
‘As a coach we are entrusted with the growth of our basketball players, the development of these young men into future professionals. But mostly, as a coach, I am entrusted by you, the parents, and the families with, first and foremost, their well-being. And in this, I feel I failed,’ a tearful Baldwin said in a video message.
‘And I’m sorry. To the depth of my being, I am sorry,’ he added.
Paying respects
Inside the AdDU chapel, visitors left handwritten notes, messages of gratitude, and bouquets that gradually filled the space around Baterbonia’s casket. Many paused in silent prayer, while others wiped away tears.
In one corner, Baterbonia’s basketball jerseys were displayed, as poignant reminders of a promising career cut short and of the dreams he inspired among young athletes.
By Friday afternoon, at least 3,000 people had visited the chapel to pay their respects. Baterbonia’s mother Rovelyn, along with other family members, joined the 6 p.m. mass which was followed by a eulogy service.
The public viewing, from June 12 to June 14, has transformed the campus into a place of collective mourning for the young athlete who first made a name as an Ateneo de Davao high school standout before starting his collegiate basketball journey as a rookie with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Bright, young talent
‘Welcome back home, Bobet,’ San Juan wrote in a social media post, describing Baterbonia as more than a gifted athlete.
‘Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ Baterbonia – one of our own – was more than a student-athlete. He was a brother, a teammate, a friend, and an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,’ he said.
San Juan said Baterbonia had become ‘one of the brightest young talents Philippine basketball had seen,’ but said those who knew him best would remember his humility, quiet leadership, and kindness.
‘We will forever remember him as our Gentle Giant,’ he added.
His remains will be taken to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, on Monday.
The AdDU Senior High School Sports Office remembered how Baterbonia ‘played with determination, discipline, and excellence’ and for carrying himself ‘with humility, kindness, and a gentle spirit that touched the lives of many.