Rene Baterbonia’s mother warns fans over alleged scams using her son’s name

The late basketball player’s name continues to attract attention following his death.

Rovelyn Baterbonia, the mother of late Ateneo de Manila University basketball player Rene Baterbonia, is warning people against alleged scammers using the Baterbonia Collection name to collect payments for “unofficial” items that are never delivered.

In a social media post, Rovelyn visited the PNP-Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit in Caraga and called out people allegedly accepting orders under the Baterbonia Collection name, which includes jerseys, apparel, perfume, keychains, ref magnets, notebooks, and other items.

“Humanda ‘yung taong nagpapa-order sa Baterbonia Collection na pag naka-send na ng pera ‘yung nag-order, hindi na nito pinadala ang mga item,” she wrote, warning that many people had allegedly already fallen victim.

She also said she was embarrassed by what was happening and warned about someone allegedly copying her signature to make the products appear legitimate.

“Dami mo nang naloloko na tao. Nahihiya ako sa mga ginagawa mo. Isa pa tong gumagaya sa pirma ko para lang mabenta ‘yung mga item nila,” Rovelyn added.

The warning comes as Rene’s name continues to attract attention online following his death. The 18-year-old Ateneo player died by drowning during a team-building activity in Aurora, along with fellow Blue Eagle Divine Adili.

Some social media users, however, have also raised criticism about the Baterbonia family, saying Rene’s death has been abused and exploited by people who continue to post, sell, comment, and create content around his name.

The criticism has at times extended to Rovelyn herself, with some users questioning her involvement in the growing amount of content and merchandise connected to Rene.

Rene’s death has drawn a community of people who want to remember and support him, but the continued attention has also made his name vulnerable to controversy.

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