Screengrab from Santi Barriga Cane Jr.

The family of Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia, one of the two Ateneo de Manila University recruits who died during a team-building activity in Aurora, is receiving assistance from local leaders, concerned citizens, and volunteers as they cope with the tragedy.

In updates shared on Facebook, Santi Barriga Cane Jr. said efforts were immediately organized to help Bobet’s relatives travel to Manila and attend to matters involving his remains. He added that he had already met with Bobet’s parents and elder brother while coordinating support for the family.

“Molarga sila karong adlawa paingon sa Manila ug gihikay na ang tanan, tickets, hotel, transportation nila didto sa Manila,” Cane wrote.

He said arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and other necessities had already been prepared to ease the burden on the grieving family.

Cane also assured those who had been reaching out that various individuals and groups were working together to assist the Baterbonias during this difficult period.

“Ayaw kamo kabalaka kay kami tanan motabang sa pamilya ni Bobet Baterbonia nga maplastar ang iyang patayng lawas,” he added.

While immediate efforts are focused on helping the family, Cane said questions surrounding the incident must eventually be addressed, particularly if a clear explanation is not provided regarding the deaths of the two student-athletes.

“Pagkahuman niining pagplastar, mosunod napod ang makuti nga imbistigasyon surrounding his death kung ugaling walay hustong explanation gikan sa ADMU kung unsa gyod ang tinuod nga hinungdan nganong nahitabo ang pagkamatay sa duha nila ka recruits atol sa gihimo nga ‘team building’ kuno!” he said.

In a separate post, Cane shared that many people have contacted him offering assistance, including members of the mainstream media and legal professionals willing to provide support.

One lawyer, he said, had reached out to offer legal representation free of charge should the family decide they need it.

“Aduna usab usa ka abogado nanawag ug nagpahibalo nga andam siya ug ang ilang law firm motabang kung gikinahanglan ang ilang LEGAL NGA SERBISYO nga ‘PRO BONO’ kon WALAY BAYAD,” Cane wrote.

He expressed gratitude to everyone extending help and prayers.
“Daghang Salamat sa inyong mga tabang ug pag AMPO. Hinaut mahatagan ug hinanali nga kasulbaran ug mogawas ang TINUOD nga hinungdan niining maong PANGHITABO.”

As support continues to arrive from different sectors, many are also hoping that ongoing efforts will bring clarity and accountability regarding the incident that claimed the lives of two promising young athletes.