Multiple graphics and reels are circulating on Facebook and Threads, linking the death of Ateneo student-athlete Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia to preliminary forensic findings of a corpse with paddle marks, a swollen scrotum, self-defense injuries, and signs of blunt-force trauma. This is false.
These findings, supposedly disclosed by National Bureau of Investigation forensic expert Dr. Rene Cam in an interview, are not those of Baterbonia who drowned in Dipaculao, Aurora, during a team-building activity on June 8. They belong to a 37-year-old man deprived of liberty who died in the Cebu City jail last April 26.
An FB user first posted a photo of Baterbonia, who is from Agusan del Sur, on June 21 with the following caption in Cebuano:
“Rene Baterbonia 2.0 Result sa Forensic Exam
Lawas sa PDL
Base sa interview ni Dr. Rene Cam Forensic Expert NBI CEVRO
Thigh Part back of his legs gibunalan og hard object base sa example possible paddle and Ang bun og Kay almost everyday ginabulan basi sa examination sa forensic Exam..
Scrotum part nya Kay ngdaku na possible effect sa pag paddle or gituyo base sa interview sa Ng examine sa iyang body..katong sa iyang abaga na bun og possible daw self defence Ang position..
Possible Cause of death daw
Blunt Object Traumatic Injuries Secondary Cardiac Arrest tungod sa mga bun og na na dli na mka flow iyang dugo..Secondary consequence..
Posisyon nkakulob😭😭😭
kasakit Ani oi isip usa ka inahan mkablo ka na ing Ani Ang gsamputan sa imong anak na puno og pangandoy💔💔💔
(Rene Baterbonia 2.0 – Results of the Forensic Examination
Body of the PDLAccording to an interview with Dr. Rene Cam, a forensic expert from the NBI CEVRO:
The back of Rene’s thighs reportedly had bruises consistent with being struck by a hard object. Based on the examples given, a paddle may have been used. The bruises were said to appear as though they had been inflicted almost every day, based on the forensic examination.
His scrotum was reportedly enlarged, possibly then effect of paddling or intentional injury, according to the examiner who inspected his body.
The bruises on his shoulder were also said to be possibly consistent with self-defense, based on their location.
Possible cause of death:
Blunt force traumatic injuries leading to secondary cardiac arrest, allegedly because the injuries impaired normal blood circulation. This was described as a secondary consequence.He was reportedly found in a curled-up position. 😭😭😭
This is so heartbreaking. As a mother, imagine knowing that this is what happened to your child—a child who was full of dreams. 💔💔💔)”
The start of the caption places Baterbonia’s name on the title which also clearly states that the forensic report is that of a PDL, but goes on to make it appear that the findings are that of the Ateneo player who was clearly not a prisoner.
These misleading posts surfaced five days after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II announced on July 15 that they were looking into possible homicide or hazing for the deaths of Baterbonia and his teammate, Divine Adili.
Several FB pages and users have since shared the false graphics and reels, prompting Cam to clarify on GMA Regional News on July 9 that he did not conduct Baterbonia’s autopsy. He explained that the forensic findings circulating online are from the autopsy of another person.
Baterbonia’s Certificate of Post-Mortem Examination lists his cause of death was asphyxia by drowning. As of press time, authorities have said that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Baterbonia’s death remains ongoing.
Published by FB pages X Tian Vlog (created June 19, 2019), NewsRadar PH (created September 15, 2023), Gras Ya Vlog (created April 3, 2010), Tita Ni Kurt Vlogs (created July 11, 2011), and several other FB accounts, these posts have collectively garnered over 162,853 reactions; 40,143 comments; and 27,402 shares.
