Lawyers to seek DOJ lookout bulletin on Tab Baldwin amid Rene Baterbonia case investigation

The lawyers of the family of the late Ateneo De Manila University basketball player Rene Baterbonia said they will request the Department of Justice to issue an immigration lookout bulletin on the team's head coach, Tab Baldwin.

According to a report on "Saksi," Atty. Israelito Torreon said the request will be sent on Wednesday night or on Thursday.

"Wala po kaming sinasabi na meron siyang liability. Para lamang po magtuloy-tuloy ang investigation, magre-request kami sa DOJ ng immigration lookout bulletin order muna laban sa kanya," Torreon told reporters.

(We're not saying that he's liable, but for an investigation, we will request from the DOJ an immigration lookout bulletin order on him.)

GMA News is trying to reach out to Baldwin for a comment.

Baterbonia and his teammate Divine Adili drowned in waters off Dipaculao, Aurora, during a team-building exercise on Monday.

On Wednesday, teammates from the Ateneo Blue Eagles also attended Baterbonia's wake.

Officials from the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, and Philippine Sports Commission also personally extended their condolences.

His remains will be brought back to Agusan del Sur on Thursday evening.

Baterbonia was a standout in the recent Palarong Pambansa and was an incoming rookie for the Ateneo's men's basketball team.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora.

In a statement, the DOJ said the NBI would determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges.

“The National Bureau of Investigation (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.

“The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” it added.

Police investigators in Aurora said they have not seen any indication of foul play based on the affidavits of those who provided first aid to Rene Baterbonia.

“Base sa affidavit ng lifeguard ay walang napansin na pabigat sa paa, kamay o katawan ng player, so yun po ang sinabi ng lifeguard. Sabi naman ng MDRRMO ng taga-Dipaculao, walang anumang pasa na siya aming bigyan ng paunang lunas,” said Pineda.

(Based on the lifeguard's affidavit, he did not notice any weights attached to the player's feet, hands, or body. That was the lifeguard's statement. Meanwhile, personnel from the MDRRMO of Dipaculao said they observed no bruises on him when first aid was administered.)

The police said the players held their team-building activity about 300 meters away from the beach, despite reportedly being advised by the resort management to hold the activity in the waters just in front of the establishment.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the Aurora Police said the basketball team wanted to be left alone despite advice from the resort management.

“Noong unang dating po nila, nag-uusap sila na ito yung kondisyon. Sa tapat ng resort ay safe diyan. Mababaw diyan. Alam natin ang sitwasyon ng dagat diyan. Pero gaya po ng sinabi ko kanina, ’yun pong team ay humingi po sila na huwag silang pakialaman sa gagawin nilang activity,” said Aurora Provincial Police acting director Police Colonel Percival Pineda.

(When they first arrived, they were informed that the area directly in front of the resort was safe and shallow. We know the sea conditions there. However, as I mentioned earlier, the team requested that they not be disturbed or interfered with during their activity.) –Vince Angelo Ferreras/NB, GMA News