The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has officially issued subpoenas to several players and coaching staff members in connection with its investigation into the drowning deaths of college basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Aurora province.
During a press briefing on Thursday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II confirmed that multiple individuals have been summoned to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
“Right now, we have several persons of interest. We have issued subpoenas to several individuals, including the players present in Aurora during that fateful day,” Morico stated.
Those who received the subpoenas are expected to appear at the CIDG headquarters in Camp Crame on Monday to submit their formal statements.
Investigators are currently determining whether school officials implemented adequate safety protocols for the student-athletes during the trip.
“What we are trying to establish is if the school authorities concerned have prepared for the safety and medical needs of the athletes who are participants in a team-building activity. They are the school authorities that were together with the team,” Morico explained.
To prevent any involved individuals from leaving the Philippines while the investigation is underway, the CIDG has requested the Department of Justice to place several persons of interest, including one foreign national, under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO).
Morico urged those summoned to cooperate fully, emphasizing the severity of the incident and reminding the public of the agency’s legal recourse if individuals refuse to comply.
”But, you know, the purpose of this update also is to let them know (that) we are asking them nicely in the interest of justice. Because there were two persons who died, one is a foreign national and another one is a young boy who is at the prime of his life,” he said, noting that the CIDG “has contempt powers through the court.”
The agency is also looking into reports of intense, military-style training practices, commonly known as “hell week,” allegedly overseen by the coaching staff. Investigators may issue additional subpoenas to former Ateneo players to verify these claims.
Baterbonia and Adili, both members of the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team, tragically drowned last Monday during a team-building activity at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The CIDG vowed to conduct an impartial investigation to bring justice to the victims’ families.