TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur — Amid tears, the mother of basketball standout Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia repeated her calls for prayers and justice as family, friends, and supporters gathered on the 40th day since the young athlete’s death in a drowning incident in Aurora province.
At a memorial Mass in Labnig Municipal Cemetery, Rovelyn Baterbonia expressed her grief over the sudden death of her 18-year-old son, a rising basketball star. She called for continued prayers while the family demands answers and accountability for the tragedy.
“If you can open our hearts, there is a big wound that can never be healed,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
As she expressed her grief, supporters responded with chants of “Hustisya!” calling for justice for the young athlete.
Around 3,000 people from various parts of Mindanao attended the kwarenta dias memorial celebration, filling the cemetery to honor Baterbonia’s life and legacy.
