“Akala Ko Training Lang” — Mother of Fallen MVP Rene Speaks Out
ROVELYN BATERBONIA – The mother of 2025 Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player (MVP) Rene Clert Baterbonia is grieving after the tragic death of her son, who drowned during a team-building activity organized by Ateneo de Manila University in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026. Another athlete, Nigerian foreign player Divine Adili, also died in the same incident. The university had earlier confirmed the fatalities through an official statement on social media.
Speaking to the media at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on June 9, Rovelyn expressed deep sorrow and confusion over what happened. She said that while the family had been informed about the training, they were not properly told about the intensity and risks involved. According to her, the briefing they received did not mention that the activity would be as physically demanding as it turned out to be.
She explained that had they known the true nature of the training, they would have been able to discuss it with Rene and decide whether he was ready for such conditions. She also shared that her son had messaged them before the activity, informing them that he would be unable to use his phone for a week due to training in Baler. She responded with a reminder for him to take care of his health and body.
Rovelyn said she initially believed the program was a regular basketball training camp and not something extremely difficult or dangerous. She described her shock upon learning that her son was not allowed to communicate from June 6 to June 7, and later received the devastating news that he had drowned.
A member of the team reportedly informed her of the accident, saying that Rene had drowned during the activity. She questioned why a basketball player was placed in a situation involving open water training, emphasizing that her son was not a swimmer but an athlete focused on basketball.
The grieving mother expressed her pain over losing her son, whom she had supported since childhood, and called for a full investigation into the incident. She urged authorities and organizers to reveal the complete truth and ensure accountability, hoping that justice will be served for her son’s untimely death.