Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the drowning of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. 'The NBI Central Office has been instructed to create a task force to conduct a thorough, comprehensive, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,' the DOJ said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOJ stated that the NBI will determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend filing charges with the DOJ. 'The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,' the statement read. Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, drowned during a Blue Eagles' team-building activity.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has formed a multi-stakeholder committee to assist efforts aimed at establishing a comprehensive account of the drowning incident. The panel will include the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas, University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Commission on Higher Education, and the National Youth Commission.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PSC said the death of the two Ateneo players is a 'profound tragedy for Philippine sports and for all who knew and supported them.'
