The Philippine National Police (PNP) will call upon prominent business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan to assist in the ongoing investigation into the tragic deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a recent team-building trip in Aurora province.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that investigators will formally invite Pangilinan, who heads the MVP Group and Smart Communications, to shed light on the incident.
“Manny Pangilinan will be summoned,” Remulla said.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) expanded its probe to look into the MVP Sports Foundation due to its ties to the Ateneo men’s basketball program. The tragedy occurred on June 8 in the town of Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement addressing the development, the MVP Sports Foundation clarified that its partnership with the Ateneo Blue Eagles is strictly limited to financial sponsorship and funding. The organization emphasized that it plays no role in running the team’s day-to-day operations or managing its activities.
Law enforcers have already questioned multiple individuals regarding the incident, including Fr. Nemy Que, the chaplain of the Ateneo men’s basketball team, who recently appeared before the CIDG.
As law enforcement and government bodies dig deeper into the exact circumstances that led to the fatalities, a funeral was held on Wednesday for Baterbonia in Agusan del Sur, where hundreds of loved ones, classmates, and community members gathered to mourn his passing.