CIDG reconstructs Baterbonia, Adili drowning; probe nears completion

DIPACULAO, Aurora — Criminal Investigation and Detection Group investigators on Tuesday conducted a full reconstruction of the drowning incident that claimed the lives of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, as authorities moved closer to concluding their investigation.

The activity began at around 4:30 a.m. with a walkthrough and ocular inspection of the beach by personnel from the CIDG, the Forensic Group, the Aurora Police Provincial Office, the Police Regional Office 3, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Authorities used specialized equipment to map the topography of the shoreline and measure the depth of the sea in the area where the incident occurred.

At 2:40 p.m., investigators proceeded with the reconstruction or reenactment of the events that unfolded on June 8.

Investigators intentionally conducted the reenactment at the same time the drowning incident occurred to compare environmental conditions and better understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

According to experts consulted by GMA Integrated News, sea conditions during the reconstruction differed from those on June 8. The area was experiencing low tide during the reenactment, unlike on the day of the incident when water levels were rising toward high tide.

Despite the differences in conditions, authorities continued with the reconstruction.

Investigators measured the distance of the victims from the shore, identified the exact locations where they were last seen, and determined the depth of the water where they were eventually found.

These findings are being cross-checked against CCTV footage and statements from players, coaches, and other witnesses.

CIDG personnel declined to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and also issued a gag order on MDRRMO personnel to prevent the premature release of information that could affect the probe.

Resort cooperating with investigation

The management of Hermanos Leisure Farm said it is fully cooperating with authorities.

Attorney Raymund Martelino, counsel for the resort, clarified that his client’s knowledge is limited to matters involving accommodation and logistical arrangements.

“The statement of our client is only limited to the accommodation,” he said.

“The statement of our client is focused on their personal knowledge on the facts and circumstances surrounding the Ateneo booking and their activities. But they have limited knowledge as to the exact nature of the activities. Our client only knows that it’s a team building activity.”

Safety audit conducted

Investigators are also conducting a comprehensive safety audit to determine whether adequate warning signs, safety protocols, and emergency measures were in place at the beachfront area.

Visible warning signs were observed at the entrance of the resort area, including notices cautioning visitors about previous drowning incidents.

Authorities also noted that a red flag, which signifies that swimming is prohibited due to dangerous sea conditions, was raised in the area.

Jennie Dupale, a barangay kagawad who serves as a resort caretaker and flag monitor, explained the significance of the warning.

“Pagka red flag po kasi ma’am, hindi pwedeng maligo. Hindi pwedeng pumalaot yung mga bangka. Kasi po ma’am, delikado po ang dagat. Hindi po natin alam kung anong mangyayari sa mga maliligo.”

(When the red flag is raised, swimming is prohibited. Bancas are also not allowed to set out, because the sea conditions would be risky. We would not know what could happen to swimmers.)

Ssked if the red flag had already been raised before the June 8 incident, Dupale said:

“Ma’am, bago po nangyari po yun, matagal na po naka-red flag niyan kasi nga po yung dagat dito masyadong malikot po.”

(Before the incident happened, the red flag had already been raised there for a long time because the sea here is too tricky.)

She also described the strong currents in the area.

“May current po kasi yung ilalim niyan, ma’am, mas malakas siya. Malakas po yung agos po.”

(There's a strong current underneath.)

“Ay iba-iba po kasi ma’am, ang alon namin dito ay pag minsan may malalaki, pag minsan po lantap nga pero yung ilalim naman niya current. Marami pong current yan ma’am.”

(We have different waves here. Sometimes the waves are big, sometimes the sea looks calm but there's a current underneath. There are lots of currents here.)

According to Dupale, even local residents avoid swimming in the area because of the dangerous currents.

“Di po kami basta-basta naliligo dyan, ma’am. Natatakot din po kami. Gawa nga po ng gano’n, ma’am, na nararamdaman namin yung current niya, malakas.”

(We don't just decide to swim there. We're afraid too. We can feel the strong currents.)

Investigators looking into two key issues

Authorities are examining two major factors in the case.

First, investigators are looking into why the team did not use a swimming pool that is only about five feet deep, especially since aquatic training drills are typically conducted in controlled environments.

Second, investigators are examining why the drills were conducted in the sea at around 2:40 p.m., when the area was approaching high tide.

Sources familiar with the investigation said these circumstances are strengthening the evidence being evaluated against members of the coaching staff under the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

Republic Act No. 11053 defines hazing as any act that causes physical or psychological suffering, harm, or injury, including forced physical activities and “exposure to the weather” as part of initiation rites or organizational practices.

The reenactment concluded at around 4:30 p.m.

Authorities expect to complete the investigation within the week and submit their recommendations to the Department of Justice. Investigators are expected to identify by next Monday the individuals who may face charges in connection with the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili. — BM, GMA News