Fact check: Altered image falsely depicts Rene Baterbonia restrained (opens original article in a new tab)

A viral altered photo falsely depicts late Rene Baterbonia restrained during a beach incident, with investigations ongoing into his drowning. The image, based on a 2025 photo, was shared by multiple Facebook pages, but no official sources confirm the restraint claims.

• Viral altered photo of Rene Baterbonia shows him restrained on a beach
• Photo claims his drowning was caused by being restrained
• No official source confirms Baterbonia was restrained during drowning
• Altered image based on November 2025 photo with photographer watermark
• Rescue team leader and resort co-owner denied weights or bruises on victims