Ateneo student-athlete's mother seeks justice after Aurora drowning

Rovelyn Baterbonia, the mother of late Ateneo de Manila University student-athlete Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, expressed her inability to forgive the university following her son's death during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, in June.

In a recent interview, Baterbonia raised concerns regarding the circumstances of the incident, questioning why no immediate rescue was attempted despite her son reportedly calling for help. She also criticized the university's perceived lack of respect and consideration toward her family, noting that the university failed to accompany his remains to the funeral home and did not properly clean or dress him before transport.

Baterbonia described her son as a selfless individual from Agusan del Sur who aspired to use his basketball career to lift his family out of poverty. The incident, which also resulted in the death of fellow student-athlete Divine Adili, has prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the two deaths.