Rene Baterbonia’s remains are now en route to Davao City after leaving Arlington Memorial Park on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, Divine Adili’s mortal remains remain at the same facility, preserved in a freezer, as no details have yet been released on when he will be flown to his homeland of Nigeria.
Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin did not visit Baterbonia’s wake, even during the final Mass held at 6:00 PM. Instead, he attended a candlelight vigil at the Ateneo campus’ Zen Garden.
On Thursday afternoon, Ateneo president Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ disclosed that it was the university’s decision for Baldwin to refrain from granting interviews regarding the drowning incident in Aurora, Quezon, which claimed the lives of Baterbonia and Adili last Monday.
“The University requested that Coach Baldwin refrain from making public statements to allow the official processes to proceed and the facts to be established before any public discussion of the matter,” the statement read.
Screenshot from Mirayah
Since Tuesday, the remains of both student-athletes have been at Arlington Memorial Park, though under different arrangements — Baterbonia laid in repose in a chapel, while Adili’s remains were kept in cold storage.
Baldwin was surrounded by members of the Blue Eagles, who were able to pay their final respects to Baterbonia on Wednesday evening, despite the coach going on leave from team duties amid Ateneo’s ongoing investigation.
Baterbonia will have a public viewing at the Christ the King Chapel of Ateneo de Davao University starting at 1:00 PM on Friday until 10:00 PM on Sunday. He will then be transported to his hometown in Agusan del Sur on Monday.
On Monday, Baldwin is also expected to personally appear before the Department of Labor and Employment to present proof of a valid and current Alien Employment Permit.
