DOJ orders NBI probe into drowning of 2 Ateneo cagers
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to form a task force to investigate the drowning incident that led to the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement sent to reporters on Wednesday, June 10, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the agency instructed the NBI Central Office to launch a “thorough, comprehensive and impartial” investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Department of Justice (DOJ) takes note of the tragic drowning incident that claimed the lives of Ateneo men’s basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divind Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora,” Martinez said.
The task force, according to Martinez, will evaluate all gathered evidence and testimonies to determine whether there is sufficient legal basis to recommend the filing of criminal charges before the DOJ.
“The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” he said.
Ateneo confirmed the deaths of the two basketball players on June 9. It said Baterbonia, 19, and Nigerian import Adili, 21, died in drowning incidents during a team-building activity on June 8.
According to Aurora police director Col. Percival Pineda, witness testimonies indicate that no foul play was involved in the incident.
An initial police report also showed that the students were swept away by a powerful current, leading to their drowning off the shores of the Hermanos Leisure Farm and Surf Camp in Barangay Lipit. — with reports from The Philippine Star
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