Mother of Ateneo rookie Baterbonia still holds a grudge over son's death

Rovelyn Baterbonia has not yet found closure following the death of her son, Rene “Bobet,” during a team-building activity of the Ateneo basketball team in Baler on June 8.  She felt she and her family were disrespected, and that those involved lacked proper communication, and compassion.

During her sit-down interview with actress and host Toni Gonzaga on “Toni Talks,” Rovelyn recalled waiting for someone from the school or team to personally approach her after Bobet’s death.

“Hinintay ko talaga sila na pumunta sa akin, mag-explain na ganyan ang nangyari, may aksidente talaga, tapos hinintay ko iyong paghingi nila ng tawad sa kung ano man ang nangyari sa anak ko.”

Rovelyn said a sincere explanation and apology could have made a difference. “Tapos na sana iyon ma'am, kasi tao lang naman ako.”

Instead, she said she felt that her family was not given the respect she expected. “Parang wala silang respeto sa amin na mahihirap,” she said.

Rovelyn also recounted what she described as the painful circumstances surrounding the handling and transport of Bobet’s remains. “Galing pa iyong anak ko doon sa Aurora, hindi man lang nila binihisan, hindi nila lininisan,” she lamented.

She said Bobet was brought to Arlington without anyone from Ateneo or any of his teammates accompanying him. “Dinala nila iyong anak ko doon sa Arlington, kahit nag-convoy lang ma'am, wala talaga,” she added.

Rovelyn admitted that she still holds a grudge over what happened, although she said she is trying to surrender that anger to God. She also explained why forgiveness has not come easily.

She said, “Wala nga silang respeto. Patawarin mo pa agad-agad.”

Rovelyn expressed what she wants most from the people she feels have failed her family,

“Respeto lang iyong gusto kong kunin sa kanila. Hindi mo talaga mapatawad kaagad-agad iyong mga taong walang respeto sa'yo,” she demanded.

Rovelyn also recalled waiting for hours at Arlington, hoping someone would come to explain what had happened and offer comfort to her family.

“Tapos sasabihin nila, ‘mommy, patawad talaga, ganyan talaga nangyari.’ Kasi tao lang naman tayo, ‘di ba? Marunong din tayo magpatawad sa tao,” she added.

But according to Rovelyn, that was not how things happened. “Pero sa feeling ko, parang hindi. Walang nangyari.”

The experience left her feeling that her family had not been treated with the respect and compassion they deserved.

“Kaya ayun, nasabi ko na wala silang respeto. Kapal talaga ng mukha.”