CIDG chief says Ateneo players' death no accident, urges Baldwin to face probe

The head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Friday urged Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin to cooperate with authorities investigating the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, while maintaining that the incident was not an accident.

Speaking at a press briefing in Camp Crame, CIDG Director Police Major General Alexander Morico II said their ongoing investigation indicates that the fatal drowning of the two Ateneo players cannot be classified as an accident.

Asked whether the incident could still be considered accidental, Morico replied, “Right now? No, it’s not.”

“The incident did not actually happen in front of the resort. It was about 300 to 700 meters away. The recovery effort was only 300 meters near the resort because they were swept by the current,” he said.

Morico also publicly called on Baldwin to participate in the investigation after authorities issued another subpoena for the Ateneo coach.

“Man up, be man enough to face the investigation in the interest of justice and equity para doon sa dalawang players which you call as your brother,” Morico said.

“If you’re a brother, hindi ka tatalikod. So, help us also. Help the family and bring justice,” he added.

The CIDG chief said Baldwin’s cooperation could help authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.

Baterbonia and Adili, both members of Ateneo’s basketball program, died in a drowning incident earlier this month.

The CIDG has been conducting a probe to determine whether criminal liability may be involved in the deaths.

Multiple angles

Morico said investigators are pursuing multiple angles as they continue to gather evidence and testimonies from players, coaches, and other individuals linked to the training camp.

“There are two directions yung pinupuntahan namin. It’s either homicide or hazing,” Morico said.

Morico also said authorities are looking into accounts suggesting that more players may have encountered difficulties in the water during the incident.

Asked about reports that four players had been caught in dangerous conditions, Morico said investigators are still trying to establish what exactly transpired.

“We’re trying to establish right now yung positions nila sa lugar and who were swept away ng current,” he said.

Morico later noted that some participants had reportedly swallowed seawater during the incident, but stressed that authorities are still validating information through witness interviews.

“That is the reason why we are trying to… We will know as soon as makausap namin yung others na kasama sa Aurora,” he added.

The CIDG chief described the sea conditions at the time as hazardous, particularly for those who were not strong swimmers.

“I guess tama lang pong sabihin na the sea was very dangerous,” Morico said.

“The weather condition during that time, including the tide, is not suitable para sa mga non-swimmers.”

According to Morico, testimonies gathered by investigators indicated that participants were allegedly aware of strong currents in the area before the trip to Aurora.

“They were aware that the current was strong prior to leaving for Aurora,” he said.

Investigators have also learned that some of the activities during the training involved exercises in the water.

Based on accounts provided by players, participants were allegedly instructed to walk and perform stationary jumping exercises while in the water to strengthen their legs.

Morico said the CIDG expects to interview and subpoena a total of 48 individuals as part of the investigation.

As of June 16, 10 individuals—mostly former players—had appeared before investigators. Another 10 were subpoenaed on Wednesday, although only seven current players attended, he said.

The CIDG has also made psychiatrists and psychologists available for players participating in the investigation.

“To make their presence in the CIDG headquarters as comfortable as possible, we have also provided a number of psychiatrists and psychologists for interventions, if needed and when they ask for it,” Morico said.

Authorities are expecting additional players, coaching staff, school officials, and other individuals involved in the training camp to appear for questioning in the coming days.

Morico said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin has been issued another subpoena and has been asked to bring aerial drone footage recorded during the training camp.

According to the CIDG chief, investigators are seeking footage that may help reconstruct the events from the team’s arrival at the resort up to the drowning incident. The investigation remains ongoing.—LDF, GMA News