Talacogon LGU: Baterbonia family requests privacy for Rene’s siblings

MANILA, Philippines – The local government unit (LGU) of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, informed the public that the family of late Ateneo basketball player Rene Baterbonia has requested privacy for his siblings.

Baterbonia’s six siblings, five of whom are minors, have drawn unexpected attention from fans and content creators since the Talacogon star athlete’s death in June.

Fourteen-year-old Rhenz, the third oldest of the Baterbonia siblings, has particularly attracted public interest in Mindanao as he plays basketball like his older brother Rene. 

“The family respectfully requests that the welfare and privacy of Rene Clert’s siblings, who are currently in school and are minors, be respected,” Talacogon’s Municipal Information Office wrote in Filipino on its Facebook page on Thursday, July 30. 

“Please refrain from going to their school, as well as taking photos or videos of them for vlogs or any form of online publication, as doing so has caused the children fear and distress.”

The Baterbonia family, according to the LGU, also asks the public to avoid creating social media content that alludes to any form of fundraising.

This comes after the LGU became aware of reports that financial assistance intended for the Baterbonias did not reach the family.

“The family is making a strong appeal to everyone, especially those who create vlogs or any form of social media content, to refrain from sharing statements or content that may give the impression of requesting or soliciting financial assistance,” said the LGU. 

Vlogging activities at the Barangay Labnig Memorial Cemetery, where Baterbonia was laid to rest, have also been strictly limited.

Even nearly two months after Baterbonia’s death, fans continue to visit his grave and pay their respects by leaving flowers.

“It’s being requested that visits to Labnig Cemetery remain solely for visitation purposes,” the LGU said.

The LGU also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified reports regarding legal matters surrounding the deaths of Baterbonia and teammate Divine Adili during Ateneo’s team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

“To maintain order and prevent the spread of misinformation, all official updates regarding the case will be released only through the family’s authorized representatives,” the LGU said.

Baterbonia’s mother, Rovelyn, said on Friday, July 31, that those who wish to purchase products from their Baterbonia Collections may contact the LGU to prevent fraudulent activity.

“There are so many scammers nowadays. It’s already difficult to find money, only for it to end up in the hands of bad people or scammers. Please also be careful with the people you ask to deliver help to our family, as you might also get scammed. That’s why I am urging everyone to message the Talacogon LGU instead,” Rovelyn wrote in Filipino on Facebook.

“Thank you to everyone who sent us their messages of condolences and love and those who gave us material assistance.” – Rappler.com