'Inconsistencies' in statements and possible hazing violations cloud Ateneo drowning probe: CIDG
Police are sorting through clashing accounts and investigating possible hazing in the drowning of two Ateneo athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday revealed that there are some conflicting testimonies of the athletes and coaches.
"There are some inconsistencies between what the players said and what the coaches said, pero hindi pa kami tapos so wala pa kaming maibibigay na comment," he told the media outside the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Camp Crame.
Remulla explained that the discrepancies likely stem from where the individuals were positioned during the incident.
"Iba 'yung accounts ng players, iba 'yung accounts ng coaches kasi iba 'yung vantage points. 'Yung mga players nasa dagat, 'yung mga coaches nasa pampang. Kinukuha lang namin yung full details tapos gagawa kami ng conclusive report," he added.
He said that Ateneo University President Fr. Bobby was unable to attend Friday's inquiry due to university graduation ceremonies but has been subpoenaed to appear on Thursday, June 25.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that the CIDG has already completed around 80 percent of its investigation.
Regarding potential charges, Nartatez did not mince words. "We are leading to that in the investigation. 'Yan din naman sasabihin ng director. Hindi pa natin masabi kung with definite numbers, who, at anong case."
When asked if there were lapses in Ateneo's part, he said, "Merong circumstances na may pagkukulang [ang school]."
He also noted that the investigation could lead to indictments under the country’s Anti-Hazing Law.
"There is a possibility that, probably, they can be indicted for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law," he said.
Nartatez on Friday also emphasized the need for an impartial and thorough process before formal filings occur.
"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. "Rushing the process may overlook critical facts that determine whether this was an accident, negligence, or a possible violation of the law.”
Nartatez clarified that under Republic Act No. 11053 (the Anti-Hazing Act), hazing is not strictly defined by physical beatings. It can also encompass forcing individuals into dangerous environmental conditions or subjecting them to extreme psychological pressure.
“Through this impartial and comprehensive investigation, we hope that schools, coaches, and sports organizations would clearly understand that the safety and welfare of students must always come first,” said Nartatez.
Baterbonia and Adili passed away on June 8 after drowning in Dipaculao, Aurora during a team building activity.
The Aurora police previously ruled the drowning an accident, and parallel investigations National Bureau of Investigation, the PNP-CIDG, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Aurora local government are ongoing, with initial findings showing no evidence of foul play.
The CIDG has already subpoenaed at least 48 individuals in connection with the drownings. Former head coach Tab Baldwin appeared at Camp Crame for questioning on Friday, June 19. The remaining batch of witnesses and officials are scheduled to give their statements on June 19 and June 22.
