THE DEATH OF two Ateneo basketball players isn’t an accident, says the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), even as it urged head coach Tab Baldwin to cooperate with an ongoing probe into the death of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a press briefing, CIDG Director Police Major General Alexander Morico II made a categorical claim on its initial findings.
“The incident did not actually happen in front of the resort. It was about 300 to 700 meters away. The recovery effort was only 300 meters near the resort because they were swept by the current” Morico told reporters.
The CIDG earlier issued a subpoena for the Ateneo coach.
MISSING BALDWIN
“Man up, be man enough to face the investigation in the interest of justice and equity para doon sa dalawang players which you call as your brother,” Morico said.
“If you’re a brother, hindi ka tatalikod. So, help us also. Help the family and bring justice,” averred the CIDG chief, adding that Baldwin’s cooperation could help authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of two potential superstars.
Baterbonia and Adili, both members of Ateneo’s basketball program, died in a drowning incident earlier this month.
The CIDG has been conducting a probe to determine whether criminal liability may be involved in the deaths.
HOMICIDE OR HAZING
According to Morico, investigators are pursuing multiple angles while gathering evidence and testimonies from players, coaches, and other individuals linked to the training camp.
“There are two directions yung pinupuntahan namin. It’s either homicide or hazing,” Morico noted, even as authorities are looking into accounts suggesting that more players may have encountered difficulties in the water during the incident.
When asked about reports that four players had been caught in dangerous conditions, Morico said investigators are still trying to establish what exactly transpired — “We’re trying to establish right now yung positions nila sa lugar and who were swept away ng current.”
PLAYERS’ ACCOUNT
He also cited testimonies of other players who claimed to have swallowed seawater during the incident. Morico however admitted that they’re still validating information.
“That is the reason why we are trying to… We will know as soon as makausap namin yung ibang kasama sa Aurora,” he added.
According to the CIDG chief, the sea conditions at the time the incident happened was hazardous, especially for not so strong swimmers – “I guess tama lang pong sabihin na the sea was very dangerous.”
“The weather conditions during that time, including the tide, are not suitable para sa mga non-swimmers.”
Testimonies gathered by investigators likewise indicated that participants were aware of strong currents in the area before the trip to Aurora — “They were aware that the current was strong prior to leaving for Aurora.”
BALDWIN’S ORDER
Citing accounts provided by players, activities during the training involved exercises in the water “They were instructed to walk and perform stationary jumping exercises while in the water to strengthen their legs.”
Meanwhile, the CIDG hinted at an ongoing interview with 48 individuals as part of the investigation.
As of June 16, 10 individuals—mostly former players—had appeared before investigators. Another 10 were subpoenaed on Wednesday, although only seven current players attended.
Authorities are expecting additional players, coaching staff, school officials, and other individuals involved in the training camp to appear for questioning in the coming days.
Baldwin has also been told to bring aerial drone footage recorded during the training camp in a bid to reconstruct the events from the team’s arrival at the resort up to the drowning incident.
