Authorities probing the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes said Friday they have detected inconsistencies in statements from players and coaching staff regarding a June 8 team-building activity in Aurora province.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) noted discrepancies in the accounts given during initial interviews, even as the investigation remains ongoing.
Former Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin, coaching staff member Dean Castaño, and athletics director Em Fernandez appeared before the CIDG at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday morning as part of the fact-finding probe.
“They gave their knowledge of the events. There are some inconsistencies between what the players and what the coaches said, pero hindi pa kami tapos (but we are not done yet),” Remulla told reporters outside CIDG headquarters.
Remulla said investigators are reconciling differing perspectives from those present during the activity, noting that participants were positioned in separate areas during the incident.
“Iba ‘yung vantage point. ‘Yung mga players, nasa dagat. ‘Yung coaches, nasa pampang. Kinukuha lang namin ‘yung full details tapos gagawa kami ng conclusive report,” he said.
(They had different vantage points. The players were in the sea, the coaches were on the shore. We are gathering full details before coming up with a conclusive report.)
The CIDG has also issued a subpoena to Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, for continuation of the investigation next week, according to Remulla.
He added that team manager Epok Quimpo has yet to personally appear before investigators, but did not confirm whether a separate schedule will be set for his attendance.
Neither Baldwin nor his representatives issued statements to media following the appearance, and access to the CIDG headquarters was restricted during the proceedings.
The CIDG is investigating the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21, who drowned during the June 8 activity.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the probe is essential in determining whether lapses or violations occurred and in preventing similar incidents.
“We owe it to the grieving families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili to complete a full and impartial investigation before drawing any conclusion,” Nartatez said.
He added that rushing the process could risk missing critical details needed to determine whether the incident was accidental or involved negligence or violations of the law.
Authorities said possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act are also being considered as part of the continuing investigation.
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