PNP chief to schools: Students’ safety must come first

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he hopes schools would place students’ safety first amid the PNP’s investigation of the drowning of Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

“We owe it to the grieving families of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili to complete a full and impartial investigation before drawing any conclusion,” Nartatez said in a statement on Friday.

“Through this impartial and comprehensive investigation, we hope that schools, coaches, and sports organizations would clearly understand that the safety and welfare of students must always come first,” he stressed.

READ: Ateneo drowning probe: Baldwin arrives at CIDG

Baterbonia and Adili drowned after being swept away by larges waves during a training / team building activity in a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.

According to Nartatez, the PNP’s investigation is about “80 percent” complete, with more witnesses expected to appear on Friday and next Monday.

At least 48 individuals were subpoenaed by the PNP- Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP – CIDG).

The individuals summoned included the players and coaches present at the Aurora tragedy as well as officials of Ateneo and MVP Sports, the foundation affiliated with the team.

“Rushing the process may overlook critical facts that determine whether this was an accident, negligence, or a possible violation of the law,” Nartatez said. /gsg