Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Lance Justin Carr and OPM icon Gary Valenciano joined public figures in mourning Ateneo student-athletes after the fatal drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Carr, who also studied at Ateneo de Davao, shared his message online, recalling his time sharing the court with Rene Clert Baterbonia and honoring his legacy as a standout athlete.
“Blessed to have shared the court with you. The Ateneo de Davao community is incredibly proud of the legacy and glory you brought to our school and to the entire Davao Region,” Carr wrote.
“Your impact goes far beyond basketball, and your inspiration will live on in the hearts of many. Fly high, Mr. MVP,” he added.
Baterbonia, 19 and fellow student-athlete Divine Adili, 21 of Ateneo de Manila University were reported to have died in a drowning incident on June 8, prompting an outpouring of grief from the collegiate sports community.
OPM icon Gary Valenciano also expressed condolences on Facebook, saying that while he is an alumnus of De La Salle University, he was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“I may be a green archer from La Salle but my heart is crushed at the devastating news about the two players from ADMU that perished in a drowning incident yesterday. My prayers are sincerely with their families and the entire ADMU community,” Valenciano wrote.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have sparked widespread mourning across Philippine collegiate sports, with tributes continuing to pour in from teammates, alumni, and public figures.
Authorities continue to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning incident, as local officials and concerned agencies review safety protocols and coordination procedures linked to the activity.
