CIDG to subpoena Ateneo president, Smart officials over Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili deaths

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the president of Ateneo de Manila University and officials of Smart Communications will be subpoenaed over the fatal drowning of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In a press briefing on Monday, CIDG Director P/Major General Alexander Morico II said the subpoena aims to secure Smart’s help in shedding light on the ongoing investigations into the incident.

“We learned also from the University Athletics Office that the Ateneo basketball team allegedly is autonomous and independently run by a foundation,” Morico said.

“The program, planning, and funding is being— under by a foundation which is Smart Communications,” he added.

The CIDG chief noted that this information is one of the material facts in the case.

“We will also confirm this statement to the rector of Ateneo, the president, Father Roberto Yap. That's why we will also be issuing subpoenas sa kaniya (to him),” Morico said.

The CIDG is already looking into the possibility of homicide or violation of the anti-hazing law in the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.

According to Morico, the CIDG has talked with Ateneo University Athletics Office Director Manuel Fernandez, who “personally appeared to answer questions.”

Fernandez will be questioned again when the witness students appear before the CIDG, according to Morico.

“We have talked to the lawyers of the students, and they requested that instead of tomorrow, their clients, the 22 of them, will appear on Wednesday. Which we give in,” Morico said.

In an earlier statement from ADMU, Yap said, "The University is cooperating fully, transparent; and without reservation with all investigations being undertaken by national authorities and competent regulatory bodies."

In a press conference conducted by Ateneo officials on Monday, Yap said that an independent fact-finding panel will investigate the drowning incident in Aurora.

“It will be conducted by reputable, legal, and technical experts who are not part of the administration, but that investigation is internal. It was mandated by our board of justice,” he assured.

GMA News Online has reached out to Smart Communications for comment on the matter. —RF, GMA News