Senate probe: Police note ‘discrepancy’ in Baterbonia's time of death

MANILA, Philippines — Police are investigating the alleged “discrepancy” in the time of death of Rene Baterbonia, one of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes, who drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora.

Baterbonia and Nigerian Divine Adili reportedly died by drowning at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.

Based on the chronology of events presented by  police investigators during a Senate hearing on Thursday,  Baterbonia was recovered at 3:40 p.m.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Ateneo drowning probe: Baldwin arrives at CIDG

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

His death certificate, however, reflected the time of his death at 3:33 p.m.

“Rene Baterbonia was reportedly recovered at approximately 3:40 in the afternoon. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, and he was transported to the hospital,” P/Lt. Col. Michael Odejerte, officer-in-charge of the major crimes investigation unit under the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, told the Senate committee on basic education probing the incident.

“However, investigators noted that Rene Baterbonia’s death certificate reportedly reflects the time of his death at 3:33 p.m  which appears to be earlier than his documented hospital arrival,” he said.

This “discrepancy,” he said,  is currently being reconciled through the statements of the attending medical personnel, hospital records and  the explanation of  the physician who certified the time of his  death.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We don’t intend to speculate  on this  discrepancy until the relevant records and witnesses have been completely evaluated,” Odejerte said.

Adili’s body, on the other hand, was reportedly spotted and recovered at approximately 3:45 p.m., according to the probers. /mr

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.