PNP: CIDG focused on Ateneo probe, no updates for now

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will not issue any further updates on the investigation into the fatal drownings of Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Several former Ateneo players arrived at the CIDG headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City between 9 and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16.

Asked for comment on the ex-players’ visits, in a statement sent to reporters, PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said, “The Philippine National Police appreciates the interest of the media and acknowledges the public’s right to be informed regarding the deaths of the late student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.”

“However, at this time, the CIDG director is fully focused on the ongoing investigation and would like to allow it to progress further before making additional statements or providing updates,” he added.

READ: Ex-Ateneo players go to CIDG amid Baterbonia-Adili drowning probe

This came after the CIDG said it was coordinating with former Ateneo players to investigate resurfaced allegations of questionable practices by the team during their past training activities, particularly under then-head coach Tab Baldwin.

Neither the players nor the CIDG immediately gave a statement.

“This is to ensure that the integrity of the investigation is preserved and that the rights of all parties involved are protected and not prejudiced in any way,” Co explained.

“We want to make sure that when we do speak, we speak with accuracy, completeness, and fairness to everyone concerned,” he added.

Co also announced that the CIDG is scheduled to hold a press briefing next week regarding the incident.

Baterbonia and Adili died after supposedly being swept away by a current while at a training activity some 300 meters along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.

The CIDG earlier said the investigation into the incident was now looking into potential cases of homicide or hazing.

For his part, Baldwin apologized for Baterbonia and Adili’s deaths in a video posted on Ateneo’s social media four days after the incident. /das