Romwel Anzures

Rene Clert Baterbonia in the 2026 National Basketball Training Center. File photo/NBTC.

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17809737796960bc259747a51f19c84b74cd69764e0ae.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Rene Clert Baterbonia in the 2026 National Basketball Training Center. File photo/NBTC."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Rene Clert Baterbonia in the 2026 National Basketball Training Center. <em>File photo/NBTC.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Rene Clert Baterbonia was viewed as part of the future of the Ateneo de Manila University men&#x27;s basketball program, but his tragic death has left a void that extends beyond the Blue Eagles community.</div><p>Baterbonia, 18, was among those involved in a drowning incident during Ateneo&#x27;s team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on Monday, which also claimed the life of teammate Divine Adili, 21.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/8/uaap-ateneo-s-adili-baterbonia-pass-away-in-drowning-incident-1959">READ: Ateneo’s Adili, Baterbonia pass away in drowning incident</a></div><p>Before committing to Ateneo, the 6-foot-4 standout from Agusan del Sur had already established himself as one of the country’s top prospects.</p><p>In 2025, he led Davao Region to its first-ever basketball title in the Palarong Pambansa, scoring 19 points in the final to earn MVP honors and a Mythical Five citation.</p><p>Baterbonia also helped the Philippines capture the title in the 14th ASEAN School Games that same year before capping his high school career with a stint in the 2026 NBTC Finals and a silver-medal finish in his final Palarong Pambansa appearance.</p><p>He had recently joined Ateneo and was even in attendance when the Blue Eagles opened their campaign in the 19th FilOil Preseason Cup last Saturday with a 72-52 win over Adamson University.</p><p>His passing came as he was beginning a new chapter in a basketball journey he deeply cherished.</p><p>&quot;From dreams and sacrifices to unforgettable memories, my Palarong Pambansa journey has been one of the greatest chapters of my life. Every challenge, every victory, and every setback helped shape me into a stronger athlete and person,&quot; Baterbonia wrote in a social media post on May 31.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid025qMkKRqD2Hsej9zG9t5rVefwSukeeu7qNsEHa9ja4sobuvs7K1pRofZhHVdvottAl%26id%3D61582484787286&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>&quot;As this chapter comes to an end, I leave with a grateful heart and memories that will last a lifetime,&quot; he added.</p><p>Baterbonia&#x27;s passing has also been deeply felt in Agusan del Sur and across Davao Region, where many shared in his aspirations and celebrated his rise through the ranks.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid09ZAAD862unYDDGMf5hFk5JdRAMNUSYAgjU9fvJGkkAzqZtTGF1srkmrzo21u4j76l%26id%3D61580810414579&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Though his journey was cut short, those who knew him will remember a young athlete whose promise and impact reached far beyond the basketball court.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgeorgetibusdiamante24%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02LCxchdN376eLm6GntpWfES6cEsnxpuo5ZMw3hSSdDLjDzXSGCmSXVZ8PXGrbEbuRl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnemia.baterbonia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02BBdAsD2vXDmjQedQcCCFLM6HRawQNqf5WvfRs9eamDjmUVusA16e2FpeyW82vuURl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>In 2025, he led Davao Region to its first-ever basketball title in the Palarong Pambansa, scoring 19 points in the final to earn MVP honors and a Mythical Five citation.</p>

In 2025, he led Davao Region to its first-ever basketball title in the Palarong Pambansa, scoring 19 points in the final to earn MVP honors and a Mythical Five citation.

Rene Baterbonia's passing cuts short a promising path beyond Ateneo

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Rene Baterbonia's passing cuts short a promising path beyond Ateneo

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 09, 2026 11:45 AM PHT

|

Updated June 13, 2026 03:04 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

ABSSports

UAAP Season 89

Ateneo

Ateneo de Manila University

Ateneo Blue Eagles

Divine Adili

Rene Baterbonia

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