Ateneo drowning probe needs another week to finish, says DILG chief

MANILA, Philippines —Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday said the investigation into the drowning of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili will need another week to be completed.

“We are piecing together the testimonies of what makes sense and what doesn’t,” Remulla told reporters in an interview in Camp Crame.

READ: Ateneo drowning probe: Baldwin arrives at CIDG

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“It will take us a while. It will take us another week before we come up with it (a report). We also need to determine the culpability of the institution. So, we need a full investigation.,” he added.

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Baterbonia and Adili died after being swept away by strong waves during a training activity along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.

Remulla previously said the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) may be able to submit its complete report on the incident by Tuesday, June 23.

However, according to Remulla, Ateneo university president Fr. Roberto Yap and men’s basketball team manager Epok Quimpo have yet to personally appear before the CIDG.

READ: Too early to say if Baldwin liable for Ateneo cagers death – Remulla

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Yap is scheduled to appear before the CIDG on Thursday, June 25, after missing Friday’s proceedings due to the university’s graduation ceremonies.

Meanwhile, Remulla did not say when Quimpo is expected to visit the CIDG.

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Earlier on Friday, former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, coaching staff Dean Castaño and athletics program director Em Fernandez attended the CIDG’s investigation in Camp Crame, the secretary further noted.

The CIDG earlier said it subpoenaed at least 48 individuals in connection with the investigation, including players and coaches present during the Aurora tragedy as well as officials of Ateneo and MVP Sports, the foundation affiliated with the team./dp

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