Fact-finding body formed to probe death of two cagers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission is leading a fact-finding body that will probe the tragic drowning incident that claimed the lives of Ateneo players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building session in Aurora.

In a statement yesterday, the PSC announced the formation of a multi-stakeholders' panel with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Commission on Higher Education and the National Youth Commission that will look into the incident that happened at Dipaculao beach.

It is a fact-finding body in cooperation with the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice tasked to “establish a clear, accurate and comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.”

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio will spearhead the panel set to convene at 1:30 p.m. today at the PSC Office in Manila. Part of the body are PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy, CHED chairman Shirley Agrupis, UAAP representatives Atty. Rebo Saguisag and Fr. Aldrin Suan, NYC chairman Jeff Ortega, and DepEd Undersecretary Malcolm Garma.

Initial police findings say it’s “purely accident.” But Baterbonia’s family searches for explanation.

“When it comes to basketball, we’re supportive of Bobet. But we were not told that upon his arrival, there will be training like this,” said Rovelyn Baterbonia in a translated Bisaya statement. “Had we known, we wouldn’t have allowed him and we didn’t really understand the nature of that (team building).

“We demand a proper explanation as to the real reason of the death.”