RENE Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia is set to be laid to rest in the new municipal cemetery in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, on Wednesday, June 24.
Baterbonia, 18, drowned in a team-building activity of the Ateneo de Manila men's basketball team alongside Nigerian teammate Divine Adili, 21.
Ateneo de Manila Vice President for Basic Education, Fr Joaquin Jose Mari Sumpaico III SJ will be the university's official representative in Baterbonia's burial, the school announced on Tuesday.
Other Ateneo de Manila representatives, together with the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School delegation led by Principal Dr. Joan Grace A. Palconit, will also be with the Baterbonia family at the burial.
Meanwhile, Adili was accompanied by Ateneo de Manila College Chaplain Fr Sigmund “Munching” de Guzman SJ and a representative from the Embassy of Nigeria, Manila, on his flight back to Nigeria on June 22.
Details of Adili's burial has yet to be announced as of writing.
Rovelyn Baterbonia, mother of Rene, has warned the public against individuals allegedly exploiting her son’s passing for personal gain.
In a Facebook post, Rovelyn revealed that she has received messages from people claiming to sell her son’s jersey and solicit donations under false pretenses.
“Good evening. Many have reached my account using our current situation for their own interest, especially when it comes to selling Rene’s jersey or asking for donation money. I am warning everyone to be cautious of these kinds of schemes,” she wrote in Cebuano.
Despite the family’s difficult situation, Rovelyn stressed that she does not want others to fall victim to such acts. She also clarified that she only has one official Facebook account and has not authorized anyone to sell her son’s belongings. NIEL VICTOR C. MASOY AND NICOLE ANNE D.G. BUGAUISAN
