Ateneo president answers NBI questions, submits documents in cagers' deaths probe

Father Roberto “Bobby” Yap, president of the Ateneo de Manila University, appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation on Friday in relation to the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta, a source said Yap answered the questions of the National Bureau of Investigation agents on the case, but did not directly answer other queries.

Yap maintained that the university has been assisting the families of Baterbonia and Adili.

“We have been, since day one, with the Baterbonia and Adili families. We have condoled with them, apologized, continue to condole with them, we continue to apologize. We have offered and have given support and assistance to them, and will continue to do so over several years,” Yap said.

Yap headed to the NBI Homicide Division to submit documents subpoenaed by authorities in relation to the drowning of Baterbonia and Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.

Five more people subpoenaed by the NBI are expected to appear on Monday, as well as additional documents from Yap's camp, to complete the ongoing investigation by the NBI homicide division.

Tab Baldwin, the Ateneo Blue Eagles coach when Baterbonia and Adili died, previously appeared before the NBI. He only answered four questions and submitted his sworn affidavit, according to the source.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group had recommended the filing of complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, against 11 individuals, including Baldwin, in connection with the drowning deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes during a team-building activity in Aurora.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said they will treat those involved in the incident fairly.

“We will be fair, we will be professional. Kung ano at saan tayo dadalhin ng ebidensya, doon natin dadalhin yan,” he said.

(Whatever and wherever the evidence takes us, we will take it there.)

As regards whether the complaint filed by the CIDG and one filed by the NBI can be combined, Matibag said, “That is the option and prerogative of the Department of Justice… Kung ano man ang findings namin, we will finish it and submit it to the DOJ for them to use it to proper disposition kung ano man ang ma-file na kaso.”

(Whatever our findings are, we will finish it and submit it to the DOJ for them to use it to proper disposition whatever case may be filed.) —Jamil Santos/LDF, GMA News