Screenshots of viral fake videos of a Burj Khalifa tribute to the late basketball player Rene Baterbonia.

Viral videos claiming that the Burj Khalifa lit up in honour of late Filipino basketball player Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia have been confirmed as fake, with Emaar dismissing the widely shared footage as fabricated. An Emaar representative told Expat Media that no such tribute had taken place. "It's definitely a fake video. We have not done any tribute LED display for any basketball player or any person lately, only flags," the representative said. The fabricated videos, which appeared on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, falsely showed Baterbonia's image displayed across the world's tallest building. Some versions appeared to have been digitally manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence. The videos surfaced following the death of the 19-year-old Ateneo Blue Eagles player, who drowned on June 8 during a team-building and conditioning activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, together with fellow student-athlete Divine Adili. Despite attracting thousands of views, shares and comments, there is no official record of any Burj Khalifa tribute for Baterbonia. The Burj Khalifa did, however, illuminate in the colours of the Philippine flag on June 12 as part of its annual tribute to the Filipino community in the UAE marking Philippine Independence Day.

Sharing fake content can carry serious penalties

The viral posts also serve as a reminder that creating, posting or sharing false information in the UAE can carry severe legal consequences. Under the UAE's Federal Decree Law on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrime, publishing or circulating fake news, fabricated videos or unverified information is a criminal offence. The law also applies to people who knowingly repost or forward misleading content originating from unreliable sources. Penalties may include imprisonment and substantial fines, with harsher punishments applying if misinformation is spread during emergencies or situations that could cause public panic. For expatriates, convictions under the cybercrime law may also result in deportation after serving any sentence. Authorities continue to advise residents to verify information through official government channels and accredited news sources before sharing content online.

Mourning for Baterbonia continues

Meanwhile, Baterbonia was laid to rest on June 24 in his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, where thousands of mourners gathered to bid farewell to one of Philippine basketball's brightest young talents. Emotions ran high during the funeral as his mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, tearfully appealed for justice. "Is it because we are poor that they will not ask forgiveness from us?" she said, calling on her son to let those responsible not rest until the truth behind his death is revealed. Authorities in the Philippines continue separate investigations into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla recently disclosed that investigators found inconsistencies between statements given by players and members of the coaching staff. "Our fact-finding continues. They gave their knowledge of the events. There are some inconsistencies between what the players and what the coaches said, but we're not done yet," Remulla said. "They had different vantage points. The players were in the sea. The coaches were on the shore. We're getting the full details, then we'll make a conclusive report." Following the tragedy, Ateneo de Manila University confirmed that head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo had resigned, with Baldwin later saying he had "failed as a leader." Support for Baterbonia's family has continued to pour in, including scholarship offers for his six siblings and a housing grant approved through the National Housing Authority. PIA/CAM/Expat Media
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